At our February Member’s Coffee Morning, we had an interesting discussion sparked by a TikTok video. The video posed a thought-provoking question: “Me wondering why it is ok to punish our children, but we have to ignore our dog when they try to bite the postman because it is kinder to them.”
This led to a broader conversation about how discipline has evolved—not just in dog training but also in childcare. Many of us reflected on how punishment for children today looks very different from what some of us experienced growing up. The shift in childcare towards positive discipline, where the focus is on guiding and teaching rather than punishing, is very similar to modern dog training methods.
The Shift from Punishment to Positive Reinforcement
In the past, punishment was a common approach to both child-rearing and dog training. However, research has shown that positive reinforcement—rewarding good behaviour rather than punishing bad behaviour—is more effective and fosters a stronger, more trusting relationship.
Research supports this shift. A study by Hiby, Rooney & Bradshaw (2004) found that dogs trained using reward-based methods showed higher obedience levels and fewer problem behaviors compared to those trained with punishment-based techniques. Similarly, Ziv (2017) reviewed multiple studies and concluded that punishment-based training can lead to increased aggression, fear, and stress, while positive reinforcement improves overall behavior and welfare.
Punishment, especially in dog training, can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Dogs do not understand punishment the same way humans do; instead, they may become confused or fearful, which can exacerbate behavioural problems rather than solve them. On the other hand, positive reinforcement teaches dogs what is expected of them in a clear and rewarding way.
All of the team members at Nose to Trail abide by the ABTC (Animal Behaviour Training Council) codes of conduct and do not use positive punishment based methods or tools in any of our training. You will find no e-collars or prong collars here!
The Key: Management and Prevention
Returning to the TikTok example of a dog biting the postman, we discussed how the issue is not about whether to punish the dog but rather about management and prevention. Ideally, a well-trained dog would never be in a position where they could bite the postman in the first place.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Training: A dog should be trained to respond to cues, such as staying calm when someone approaches the door. If your dog can’t then perhaps work on a visitor programme (we have guides for this in our members area!).
- Management: If a dog has a history of reacting aggressively to strangers, steps should be taken to prevent interactions that could lead to a bite. This could include using baby gates, keeping the dog on a lead when the door is open, or ensuring deliveries are left in a safe space so the person never comes near the dog in the first place.
- Socialisation: From a young age, dogs should be gradually exposed to different people and situations to help them learn appropriate responses. But we have a whole other blog on that if you want to take a look!
A study by Vieira de Castro et al. (2020) further emphasizes the importance of training methods. Their research found that dogs trained with punishment had higher stress levels (measured through cortisol levels), while those trained with positive reinforcement were more relaxed and willing to learn.
By focusing on training and prevention, punishment becomes unnecessary because the dog is set up for success from the start.
Final Thoughts
Our discussion highlighted an important shift in mindset—not just in dog training but in behaviour management overall. Just as modern parenting emphasizes guidance over punishment, dog training is most effective when it focuses on reinforcing positive behaviour rather than correcting mistakes after they happen.
If we take the time to properly train and manage our dogs, we eliminate the need for punishment altogether. Instead, we create an environment where our dogs can thrive, trust us, and behave appropriately without fear or confusion.
What are your thoughts on this approach? Have you seen positive reinforcement work well in your training experiences? Let us know in the comments!