Punishment has no place in dog training. It should never be used as a means of correcting undesirable habits or behaviors. Screaming, hitting, or other forms of punishment can only make the situation worse because these actions can only heighten their anxiety because they won’t really understand why. When any of these actions are done during dog trainings, the learning process will be greatly affected. Remember that dogs don’t understand human anger.

One common situation in which many pet owners tend to punish their dogs is a potty accident. Some push their dog’s nose into the urine or feces while holding the animal tightly. This can be counterproductive in the sense that the dog will only be confused, so much so that next time he needs to go potty, he will eliminate in places where you won’t be able to see him engaging in the act, such as under the furniture.

Positive reinforcement is preferred over punishment at any given time when dealing with undesirable behaviors displayed by pets. This is the best avenue to communicate with your dog and help carry your message across, whether you are pleased or unhappy with his behavior.

Any sudden change in your pet’s behavior should be brought to the attention of your McHenry, IL veterinarian. Click here.