July2011_WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH PUNISHING OUR DOGS

Firstly, you can inadvertently strengthen the bad behaviour, if the intensity of the punishment is not high enough; timed correctly (during or immediately after the behaviour) and given every time the animal does the bad behaviour, then the times the dog gets away with it actually rewards the dog.

Think of a gambler playing a slot machine.  The rewards (money) are on a ‘variable rate of reinforcement’.  This is the same principle we work on when we want, say, a sit or drop.  Once the dog knows what to do, we do not reward every time, only occasionally at random intervals.
Punishment has to be of a high enough intensity to be effective, therefore we can cause physical damage to our dogs.  Remember that choke chains have been known to damage the trachea.  But its not only physical damage we worry about.  Some dogs can become extremely fearful of many forms of punishment.  Citronella collars and other devices can emit a beep prior to the punishment.  Dogs can then become fearful of other beeps in their environment i.e. kitchen timers and other noisy devices.
Punishment in some dogs can lead to the dog having issues with aggression, and those who already show signs of aggression may exhibit more intense and injurious aggressive behaviours.
We generally get a dog because we want their company.  By punishing a dog you run the risk of severely damaging your relationship and bond with your dog.  Rather than having your dog cower when he approaches you, wouldn’t you rather have him run back enthusiastically.
And lastly, punishment does not teach the dog a more appropriate behaviour.  So now when your dog is doing something you rather he wouldn’t, flip it around and ask what is it you want him to do, then teach and reward that instead