Tags: discipline a puppy

07/25/09

Link: http://www.billboardmama.com/proper-discipline-for-puppies-p-219.html

To punish a puppy feels similar to punishing a baby. Have you ever heard of anyone spanking a baby? That may only lead to the adult feeling bad when the baby begins crying. A little baby won't learn from punishment, and puppies are no different. Just like everything you do with a small baby is designed to let it feel loved, protected and close to you, the way your treat a new puppy could affect the way that dog views you for whole relationship.

The one thing you'll achieve by punishing a puppy is to make it afraid of you. Spanking a puppy will only lead to it pondering its fear towards you and the discomfort of the slap. It's too young to understand the concept of right and wrong, so it doesn't learn.

If your little puppy is gnawing on something for example, and you punish it with even a light tap, naturally it'll potentially stop what it's doing. It's probably frightened of you know as it doubtless felt discomfort from the smack. It can't tell that it was being punished for what he was doing, however, so he does not learn the results of his actions.

Roaring at the baby dog can also do damage to your relationship. A puppy will surely stop what it's doing when you startle it with a scream. But again, it does not know the roaring the its actions are linked. Even the angry tone of your voice could cause your young dog to be fearful for a second.

Punishing a puppy like this will only make it think that you are mean and make it afraid of you. The dog may not trust you, because it does not see why you scare it. This can keep the young dog from ever actually warming up to you, and you will be unable to have a good relationship as the dog grows.

Some dogs will make a response to you in a defeated way because they are more passive. Your dog will not ever trust you, even if it stays in line out of fear. Other dogs have a more stubborn streak, and because they feel threatened by you'll attempt to dislodge you as the one in charge. If your dog thinks that it should be the leader of the pack, you have got a giant behavioral problem in your hands.

At the very least, you will not have as good a relationship with your dog as you might have.

Just as you would do with a particularly little child, use gentle correction when your puppy does something he shouldn't do. Use delicate movements and a kind but firm tone of voice, so that your dog understands to stop without becoming scared.