By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Punish your dog for bad behavior

Jason Wright

February 25, 2020

It's Part Of All Animal Learning

Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment.

If you are a trainer you need to be utilizing ALL of these. NOT just positive reinforcement. If you are not using all of these you are limiting how the dog learns and you have limited the results you will get.

I get a ton of dogs from force-free, all positive trainers. The dog's obedience is usually decent, but as far as the behaviour, it still exists or has gotten even worse!

This doesn’t mean that you slap a prong collar or e collar on a dog and start blasting it with high levels corrections. They must be conditioned to the tools and know what they mean by 100%. Create a communication system first. The punishment must be offered correctly depending on the dog and a variety of other things.

Punishment also doesn’t just have to be through a prong or e collar. There are many other tools out there to stop bad behaviour.

The message here

is, stop being one dimensional and start using punishment. Not only will you get better results, but you’ll also be less stressed and not struggling for months at a time.

As for turning your back and ignoring a jumping dog, It's absolutely ridiculous, rarely works and is very dangerous.

Don’t get me wrong positive reinforcement is a huge part of what we do and we use it with every dog but it’s absolutely not the only way to go about training.

Why Busy Professionals and Families Shouldn’t DIY Puppy Training — And What to Do Instead

Why Busy Professionals and Families Shouldn’t DIY Puppy Training — And What to Do Instead

May 28, 2025

Too busy to train your puppy? iTrainK9's elite board & train program gives you a calm, obedient dog—while you focus on your life. Book your spot today.

You Don’t Want Dog Training. You Want Your Life Back.

You Don’t Want Dog Training. You Want Your Life Back.

May 21, 2025

Too busy to train your dog? Overwhelmed and out of options? Let us take the stress off your plate and give you the calm, obedient dog you imagined.

Baby on the Way? 5 Behaviors Your Dog Must Master Before the Due Date

Baby on the Way? 5 Behaviors Your Dog Must Master Before the Due Date

May 21, 2025

Jumping, barking, reactivity? Get your dog calm & baby-ready fast with The Great Reset—our elite 3-week Board & Train. Spots fill fast. Book now.