How To Discipline A Puppy

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Puppies naturally enjoy barking, chewing, and “going” wherever it seems convenient. Being a dog owner means teaching your puppy boundaries and how to grow with respect for the world around them.

Your pup’s behavior, learned skills, and the bond they develop with you are all influenced by how they are trained. If your puppy is at least 8 weeks old, it may be time to start training them with love, praise, and positive reinforcement.

Differences Between Discipline and Punishment

When an unwelcome action occurs, it is not uncommon for you to think of punishment as your first response. Punishment is defined as inflicting a penalty that generally includes negative consequences like suffering, pain, or loss.

While reprimanding is usually associated with punishment, it does not have to be. When training your pup, discipline is best redirected by taking a negative action and turning it into a positive one.

However, punishment usually includes producing fear through painful physical actions or stress-inducing actions. Proper direction, not punishment, is what makes a well-behaved dog.

How to Discipline your Puppy

Ignore Bad Behavior

One of the easiest methods for disciplining your pup is easy and requires ignoring any bad behavior. Because dogs thrive on attention and love, your pup will learn that they can’t get your attention or love by behaving badly and stop.

If you find your puppy behaving in a negative way, like barking at people passing by, jumping on you, or biting you, then just ignore them. Most bad behavior puppies display comes from wanting attention, so stopping the attention can stop the behavior. Your pup will quickly learn what gets your attention and what does not.

Practice Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a popular and effective method of dog discipline. It involves rewarding your dog with praise, such as “good job” or “good dog,” and rewarding them for good behavior. For example, in potty training, you can reward them for going outdoors or using a puppy pad.

This method builds a strong relationship between you and your dog, unlike punishments that may not be understood.

Create a Location for a Timeout

Timeouts are a form of discipline for puppies, providing them with attention and love. They should be done in a designated area, such as a safe room or crate, and the puppy should be left alone for over 10 minutes without attention.

To prevent separation anxiety, teach the puppy to be happy and content on their own. Provide a safe space for the puppy to eat and play, and consider offering them treats like frozen Kong or meals in this area.

Be Consistent 

Disciplining your puppy can be challenging but rewarding. Consistency is key to disciplining and correcting their behavior. Showing good behavior with precision and avoiding miscommunication is essential. Avoid misleading your puppy by changing commands, especially during training routines. Ensure your puppy understands the correct actions and remembers the lessons learned.

Make Time for Your Puppy

It is important that you invest your time and attention in monitoring and keeping an eye on your puppy. This will contribute to correcting behavior problems and will help them learn faster, as well as build a bond with you.

Remember to keep training sessions short and fun but consistent. This will help you and your pup achieve success sooner.

Use Firm Commands

Use firm commands when required to make your puppy stop his bad behavior, and this works for dogs of all ages. Make sure your dog follows through with the command you have given before you praise them.

Quickly saying a loud and firm “No bite!” command if your pup is being mouthy is fine. You can also cry out or say “ouch” in a loud, high-pitched tone to notify your dog of your dismay.

What Not to Do

Do Not Use Physical Punishment

Using physical punishment can make a puppy scared of hands, especially when they move quickly. This can lead to fear-based aggression, and the last thing you want is your puppy to be afraid of hands.

Most dogs rarely bite unless they are scared, and your puppy is only doing what they know how to do, not intentionally misbehaving or causing problems.

Do Not Shout or Yell at your Puppy

Shouting or yelling at your puppy may be misinterpreted as a threat. This can lead to your puppy developing a fear of you and recoiling every time he sees you. This is not a very positive scenario for you and your pup and can damage your bond. If you notice your pup is not paying attention or behaving badly, turn your back and ignore the bad behavior.

Do Not Rub Your Puppy’s Nose in It

Rubbing your dog’s nose is a cruel act that can negatively impact your relationship with them and cause anxiety. To train your dog to go outside, use positive reinforcement and redirect them outside. Remember that your dog may still be drawn to areas with previous accidents and smell urine left behind, so it’s important to teach them the consequences of not going to the bathroom inside the house.

Do Not Encourage Bad Behavior

Although some things may be cute or funny with puppies, it is important to never encourage bad behavior. Puppies are notorious for jumping on guests and showing dominance. While these actions may be adorable at the time, never laugh or encourage attention.

It is important to discipline your puppy in the moment and then provide him with treats for his good behavior.

Final Thoughts

A well-trained puppy is the hope of every new dog owner, and proper training and discipline are the best ways to help a dog understand good behavior from bad. Of course, there will be mistakes as your puppy learns, but if you are willing to make the commitment, you can enjoy a lifetime of happiness with your new furry friend.