The Use of Punishment: What You Need to Know

Understanding the Risks, the Science, and Better Alternatives

When your dog jumps on guests, barks at the window, or chews your shoes, it’s natural to feel frustrated. You may be tempted to raise your voice, issue a firm “no,” or use a leash correction. These are all forms of punishment—but do they work? And more importantly, are they the best way to teach your dog?

At Bright Pet Behavior and Training, we believe in using training methods that are effective, humane, and based on modern behavioral science. That’s why we take a close look at punishment—not just in terms of whether it stops behavior in the moment, but how it impacts your dog’s learning, trust, and emotional well-being over time.

What Is Punishment in Dog Training?

In scientific terms, punishment refers to any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. It’s not about anger or discipline—it’s simply a learning principle.

There are two types:

• Positive punishment: adding something unpleasant (e.g., leash correction, yelling, spray bottle)

• Negative punishment: removing something the dog wants (e.g., walking away when they jump)

Not all punishment is harmful—but positive punishment, in particular, can carry unintended consequences if used without deep knowledge of behavior and learning theory.

Does Punishment Work?

Punishment can stop behavior—temporarily. That’s why people often turn to it. If you jerk the leash or shout, your dog may freeze, stop what they’re doing, or appear “guilty.” But stopping a behavior in the moment doesn’t mean it’s gone. It may just be suppressed.

And suppression is not the same as learning.

Without teaching the dog what to do instead, punishment can create confusion and anxiety. Over time, it may even damage your relationship with your dog.

The Risks of Using Positive Punishment

1. Increased Fear and Anxiety

Punishment can cause dogs to become fearful—not just of the behavior, but of the person delivering it. If your dog begins to associate you, the environment, or a trigger (like another dog or a child) with something unpleasant, it can create or worsen fear-based behaviors.

2. Breakdown of Trust

Your dog should look to you for guidance and safety, especially in stressful situations. If they learn that engaging with you may result in discomfort or fear, it can erode that trust.

3. Escalation of Aggression

Dogs that are punished for growling, for example, may stop growling—but that doesn't mean they’re no longer uncomfortable. If you remove their warning signals, they may escalate directly to biting next time.

4. Doesn’t Teach an Alternative

Punishment doesn’t help dogs learn what to do—only what not to do. Without clear, positive guidance, dogs are left guessing and may continue to make mistakes.

The Better Approach: Reinforce What You Want to See

Instead of punishing unwanted behavior, focus on reinforcing desired behavior.

• Want your dog to stop jumping? Teach them to sit to greet.

• Want them to stop barking at the window? Teach a “look at me” cue and reward quiet.

• Want them to stop stealing food? Prevent access and reward calm behavior around food.

This approach isn’t just more humane—it’s more effective in the long run. It builds skills, strengthens communication, and increases your dog’s confidence.

What About “Balanced” Training?

Some trainers promote a “balanced” method that uses both rewards and corrections. While this may sound fair in theory, science shows that dogs learn best through positive reinforcement—and that the risks of using aversives often outweigh any benefit.

Professional organizations such as the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) strongly recommend against the use of punishment-based techniques.

Your dog isn’t trying to be “dominant” or “bad”—they’re simply doing what makes sense to them in the moment. When we punish behavior without understanding the cause, we risk suppressing communication and damaging trust.

But when we focus on teaching, not correcting, we build a relationship based on clarity, compassion, and cooperation.