What Are the Things You Should Avoid When Punishing Your Dog?

When it comes to training dogs, such as using a leash, it's important to balance punishment and reward appropriately to reinforce good behavior and correct mistakes. This combination helps strengthen the dog’s memory. Of course, this type of training can take place not just at home, but also when you're out walking the dog, using the leash as an opportunity for ongoing training. However, when punishing a dog, it’s important to be mindful of the intensity of the punishment to avoid causing harm to the dog.

1. Never Lock Your Dog in a "Time-Out Room" or Use Violence as Punishment Leash training is an ongoing process, and dogs are bound to make mistakes from time to time. While it's fine for owners to apply a "mild punishment" to make their point, violence or confinement in a small, dark space should be avoided. Using force can lead the dog to fear and resist its owner, while locking the dog in a dark room can cause frustration, irritability, and even lead to depression over time. This is especially true when the dog is young; using harsh tactics during leash training or daily interactions can not only harm the dog’s physical development but also create emotional distance between the dog and its owner. 2. Focus on Warning and Use the Correct Methods When Punishing Your Dog On the internet, it’s not uncommon to see owners make their dogs "stand against the wall" as a form of punishment. Although this may seem humorous or effective, it's actually not beneficial for the dog’s body, and the dog may not even recognize its mistake. Instead, owners can use a rolled-up newspaper to lightly tap the dog and pair this with verbal correction. Alternatively, owners can repeatedly guide the dog in the right direction using the leash to help reinforce correct behavior and make the training more effective. 3. Punishments Should Be Timely and Have Authority The relationship between an owner and their dog is that of partners and family members, but the owner still needs to establish authority in front of the dog to ensure obedience. If a dog owner is too soft during leash training, the dog may perceive the session as playtime rather than a serious training exercise, thus reducing the effectiveness of the training. Furthermore, any punishment should be applied immediately when the dog makes a mistake, so the dog can associate the correction with the behavior and learn to avoid it in the future.

In addition to necessary punishments, it’s important for owners to take their dogs out regularly for walks and play, rewarding them with treats. Striking a balance between work and relaxation will help create a positive environment for both the dog and owner.