Should you scold your dog? Here’s What to Expect

Dogs Don’t Reason Like We Do

So why is scolding so bad? Scolding is something that humans have become accustomed to by experiencing it with other people. Although it doesn’t make us feel good, we’re able to learn from the mistake if it’s pointed out to us. However, dogs don’t have the ability to reason, which is something that people have a tendency to forget so scolding will not have the same effect on them.

Correct and Redirect

If your puppy is clearly doing something he shouldn’t, especially during training, you can’t exactly just let him keep doing it. After all, we are still talking about disciplining your pup, just in a more positive way. If your dog is doing something that he shouldn’t, get his attention to distract him from what he’s doing. This could be in the form of a loud clap or a high-pitched sound to catch him off guard enough that he stops what he’s doing. Immediately after he has stopped this behavior, redirect him to something positive, which is okay for him to be doing, such as chewing on his favorite toy. This can be applied to any behavior that you do not want your pup engaging in, such as:

Going potty indoors – this is a very common thing in any dog’s behavior when they are new to your house. If you catch your pup in the act, there is no need to scare or dish out physical punishment. Being afraid can just cause more accidents, and that is exactly what we’re trying to shy away from. Instead, interrupt what he’s doing, and take him outside. Then, enthusiastically reward his behavior when he does successfully go outside, simply to let him know that he’s done a great job! This will teach your dog the difference between what is right and what is wrong.

Misbehaving on a walk – some dogs either simply won’t heel, will stop dead in their tracks and refuse to move (especially if they’re puppies), or will bark at every dog they see. Get your pup’s attention to move him away from this behavior, whether that’s gently tugging on his leash, or making a loud noise to get his attention. Once he starts showing good behavior, reward him like he’s just taken his first steps.

Chewing on anything but their toys – all dogs simply adore their toys. But, let’s face it, they probably love your slippers more! It’s something different for them and, as a bonus, they smell like you! However, you don’t want to go through life with your favorite slippers full of holes. Next time you see your dog chomping away at your silky slippers, distract him, remove your slippers from his mouth, and redirect his toward a toy. Always encourage him positively once he moves on to his actual toy.

You Might Be Sending the Wrong Message

If your dog goes potty on the carpet and you shout at him, the only thing he will take from the experience is to fear eliminating in front of you. In this scenario, he will continue to go potty inside, but hide it from you so that you don’t catch him in the act of doing it.

5 Common Mistakes When Scolding a Dog

Are you sure that when you scold your dog you are doing it correctly? Often when our four-legged friend causes some trouble we react by scolding them, but in doing so we risk making mistakes that will not correct their behaviour, but rather will confuse them more than before. Find out the 5 most common mistakes not to make when scolding a dog.

With dogs, the golden rule is “catching them on the spot”. Scolding a dog after they have been naughty is useless. If you come home and find a plucked and scattered pillow all over the house, don’t bother to discipline Fido, indeed, it is counterproductive. It is sufficient to use a dry and decisive “no” when you find them making some trouble, so that it connects our reaction to one of its actions. Continuing to scold them is useless.

Spending all your time scolding your dog does not have great effects on their behaviour, it is enough to be firm, angry for at least a minute, without using aggression or severe punishment such as shutting them alone in a room or leaving them without their toys.

Many people think that in order to teach their dog not to pee at home, you must bring their face closer to their mess. This is the wrong behaviour! Surely if they have peed in the house it is because we have not taken them out or this is a way to make us understand that it is sad when we are not there. The ideal thing is to take them out more often and compliment them when they do their business outside, a little at a time they will learn.

If a dog growls at a person or another animal they are showing their uneasiness, fear or annoyance. The dog should not be reproached when they snarl as they may be tempted to attack. If this behaviour is frequent, we advise you to get help from a trainer, so they can identify the reason why your furry friend behaves this way.

The dog will learn few but effective rules in their life only if we are constant in imposing them. Reproaching the dog with a behaviour that we usually allow will only cause confusion for them. For example, if we have established that they must sleep in their kennel and for no reason in the world can they get on our bed but then we let them do that, we are showing inconsistency and they will no longer understand what is right or wrong to do. Our dog needs stability, security and rules that they will learn little by little and will make them feel peaceful and happy. Share the love