How to Discipline a Dog

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How to productively and effectively correct your dog's bad behavior
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When your dog acts out with bad behavior, you may want to discipline them. This simply means you want to let them know that the behavior is unacceptable. Instead of shouting or hitting your dog, use effective punishments that actually work, like ignoring them or withdrawing your attention. Since dogs respond to positive reinforcement, your dog will quickly learn what behaviors to avoid. We’ll show you how!

How to Discipline a Dog

When your dog acts out or breaks a rule, turn your back and ignore them. Dogs naturally seek your affection, and the removal of your attention will be more effective at resetting their behavior than any kind of active punishment. Never physically hit your dog or yell at them—they won’t know why it’s happening and they’ll just learn to be scared of you.

Section 1 of 2:

Responding to Bad Behavior

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    If your dog misbehaves, give them a cue or sign that they've made the wrong decision. You might say, "Think again," or a similar phrase in a cheery, but corrective tone of voice. The tone should suggest, "Are you sure you want to do that?" Your dog will recognize your tone as much as the words. [1]
    • Remember that your dog is not maliciously trying to disobey you. When your dog does something you don't want them to do, you need to let them know not to repeat this behavior in the future.
    • React quickly to bad behaviors you want to stop. Associations between a behavior and a consequence require fast action. If too much time passes between action and consequence, your dog won’t understand. [2]
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    If the dog continues to do the wrong thing, turn your back or leave the room so that you withdraw your attention. Dogs are sociable animals and want to be at the center of things. Being left out or ignored makes them reconsider their actions. If you catch bad behavior early, you can stop it before it's ingrained. [3]
    • For example, if you're teaching your dog a command and they refuse, say, "Think again," and turn your back. Your dog should realize that they've done the wrong thing. Turn back around and repeat the initial command. If they still don't cooperate, say, "Think again," and turn your back. Repeat this until they understand the correct behavior.
    • As another example, if your dog bites you while you’re playing, yell “Ouch!” to show them it hurt and turn away from them to ignore them for 5-10 seconds. They’ll associate biting with being ignored.
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    If you get worked up, your dog may start acting badly just to get your attention. By acknowledging your dog or shouting at them, you're accidentally rewarding the behavior with attention. This will make them more likely to repeat the behavior in the future. Remember that even scolding and shouting are rewards to a dog. [4]
    • For example, if the doorbell rings, it may catch your dog off guard making them bark with surprise. If you ignore the bark, they get no reward. If you go tell them to hush, you just rewarded them by giving them attention.
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    Verbal or physical discipline is not an effective way to prevent bad behavior. Your dog will simply learn to fear you and they won’t know why they’re being hurt. For example, hitting your dog after they urinate in the house might just cause them to hide where they urinate. This won't help you, since you'll spend more time looking for soiled areas in order to clean them up. [5]
    • Your dog doesn't understand physical or verbal punishment. They'll just be confused and hurt, which will damage your relationship.
    • When it comes to potty training a puppy, remember that it takes time. Only use positive reinforcement if you want to train them as quickly as possible!
    • The most important of disciplining a dog is to be clear and to use time and repetition instead of force. [6]
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    Biting is a bad behavior that must be controlled. Teach your dog that biting can hurt people by yelping or going “ow!” whenever they bite. Stop playing immediately and leave the room. Withdrawing the fun and attention is punishment in terms that your dog will understand. They'll soon associate rough playing with an end to the game and they’ll stop biting. [7]
    • Full-grown dogs that bite might be doing so because they are aggressive, and it will be more difficult to train them to stop without professional help. Consider calling your vet or an obedience trainer for insight.
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Section 2 of 2:

Preventing Bad Behavior and Habits

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    Dogs don’t misbehave out of malice. If your dog appears to misbehave, such as chewing your shoes, destroying furniture while you're out, or growling at strangers, then the dog has a reason to do so. You just haven’t figured it out yet! Try to look for patterns in their behavior to identify triggers. [8]
    • For example, if your dog chews the furniture when you are out, they may be doing so because they're bored or anxious at being separated from you.
    • If a dog barks at other dogs, perhaps they’re reactive and need to learn that other dogs aren’t encroaching on their territory.
    • If your pup is going potty inside, it’s a sign that they need to be taken out more often.
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    Once you've figured out what's causing your dog's bad behavior, try to remove the triggers. Maybe you've found that your dog barks when something excites them, like seeing someone walk down the street or a car drive past. To prevent barking, you might close the curtains. [9]
    • For example, if your dog is chewing on your shoes, just store your shoes out of reach and leave a chew toy out, instead.
    • You can also make arrangements so your dog is less likely to get caught by surprise, which can trigger a lot of bad behavior. Lett them see strangers from the window before they come in, for example.
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    While disciplining your dog for bad behavior is fine, rewarding them for good behavior is the best way to help the dog learn good habits. Use positive reinforcement if your dog plays nicely, responds to commands, or successfully eliminates in the right spot. Offer them treats, give the dog praise by saying "Good dog!" in a cheerful voice, or offer a few head scratches or belly rubs. [10]
    • Reward the behavior immediately after the action, so your dog creates a positive association. If you reward them too soon or too late, your dog won't understand why they're getting the reward.
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    Dogs that are bored or inactive tend to act out more often than well-exercised dogs. If your dog spends most of their day inside, they may just jump up, bark, or act out when they finally do get outside or when you get home. Try to let your dog take a walk or run outside for at least an hour every day. [11]
    • Make sure your dog has plenty of chew toys. This can keep them active and occupied when they have to remain inside. It can also prevent bad behaviors, like gnawing or chewing things they shouldn't.
    • If you can’t seem to prevent accidents inside when you’re away at work, hire a dog walker or enlist a neighbor to let your dog out.
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    Your dog may engage in bad behaviors if they're feeling stressed or unsure. You can make your dog feel more secure and relaxed by establishing simple routines. For example, if your dog is inappropriately urinating, start by crate training them and regularly taking them outside to the same spot to urinate. If you do this at set times, they'll learn to associate urinating with the correct spot. [12]
    • Feed and play with your dog at regular times. This way, your dog will learn to expect attention and care. They'll be less likely to act out or try to get your attention if they know that playtime is coming.
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    If you can't figure out what's causing your dog's bad behavior or if your dog's behavior doesn't improve, get the advice of a professional animal behaviorist or pet psychologist. You can ask your veterinarian to recommend someone who's trained, registered, and approved. [13]
    • You may also ask your vet to check the dog over for a medical condition that may be causing the bad behavior.
    • Getting a physical is especially important for older dogs. For example, your dog might have an incontinence issue due to a medical problem. Your vet will be able to diagnose and recommend further medical or behavioral treatment. [14]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do dogs understand when they are punished?
    David Levin
    Professional Dog Trainer
    David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation.
    David Levin
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Your dog will only understand if the punishment comes right after the behavior you want to correct. This helps your dog understand.
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    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 44
  • Question
    When should I reward my dog?
    David Levin
    Professional Dog Trainer
    David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation.
    David Levin
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    When your dog does a behavior you like, give it a reward so it learns to repeat the behavior. This is the best way to teach your dog good behaviors.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can I flashbang my dog?
    Community Answer
    You should absolutely not flashbang your dog. This could cause serious anxiety for any animal.
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      Tips

      • If you're giving your dog a timeout or withdrawing attention, do not look at the dog at all or make eye contact. The dog will know that you are watching and will try to get your attention even more.
        Thanks
      • Instead of punishing your dog for something like urinating inappropriately, watch them for signs that they need to go out. If they do have an accident, simply clean it up with enzymatic cleaner to remove any scent markers.
        Thanks

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Don't be fooled to believe that negative reinforcement works. It might fix a behavior in the moment, but over time the behavior is just going to get worse.
      • If you do ever punish your dog and you lose your cool, immediately get down and give them some hugs and kisses to let them know you still love them.
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      References

      1. ↑ Beverly Ulbrich. Dog Behaviorist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.
      2. ↑ David Levin. Dog Training Coach. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
      3. ↑ David Levin. Dog Training Coach. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-you-may-accidentally-be-encouraging-bad-behavior/
      5. ↑ David Levin. Dog Training Coach. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
      6. ↑ David Levin. Dog Training Coach. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
      8. ↑ David Levin. Dog Training Coach. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
      9. ↑ https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/excessive-barking/
      1. ↑ David Levin. Dog Training Coach. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/exercise-dogs
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-your-dog-needs-routine/
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/does-your-dog-need-a-trainer/
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/house-training-your-adult-dog

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To punish a dog effectively, tell it something similar to “think again” in a cheery, but corrective voice so it knows it’s done something wrong. If it continues to disobey you, turn your back and leave the room so the dog feels ignored and will be less likely to disobey you again. You should also ignore your dog if it barks at someone because it will feel rewarded if you scold it. In addition, be sure you reward good behavior with treats or verbal praise when it does something right. Keep reading for advice from our Veterinary reviewer on preventing bad behavior.

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      • Hudson

        Dec 3, 2022

        "Totally worked. These methods do the trick perfectly! Now my dog isn't acting out or misbehaving"
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