Disciplining our dog might be a bit of a polarising topic, but it shouldn’t be. Correct training and discipline for our dogs means both their and your lives are easier and much more pleasant. 

Disciplining your dog is an important part of training and when done the right way, it will ensure better behaviour and stronger communication.

Most people think about discipline as punishment but it’s actually a crucial behaviour-forming process that is necessary for everyday situations.

Positive Reinforcement/Punishment - This should really go without saying, but positive reinforcement is much more effective and better than negative. Not only that but it by far the most effective way to train your pup. When your dog does something good instead of being a bit naughty, reward them. This will teach them that that is the preferred behaviour in that situation.

What about positive punishment though? It’s not a contradiction! Positive punishment simply means that you are adding something (can be as simple as a leash) to correct your dog which reduces the likelihood of this behaviour.

Another easy thing to do is give them extra affection and repeat what command they just did in an exaggerated, praising tone.

Experts find that this reward-based method of discipline is very effective for dogs. It also builds and improves the relationship between you and your dog — something you’ll be grateful for in the long run.

Negative punishment, on the other hand, removes something that the dog values (owner, treats, toys) to decrease the likelihood of this behaviour in the future.

If your puppy is excessively biting on your hands and feet, simply leave the room. You are removing your attention and presence as punishment which is very active with most dogs.

Be Consistent – As with most things, consistence is absolutely key, especially with our pets.

In order to successfully eliminate a bad habit or behaviour, you will have to correct your dog every single time in the exact same way.

You have to be extremely consistent with the methods you use, and you will have to supervise your dog all the time to perform these corrections.

Rules and routines should be set and final and every family member needs to be aware of them

Don’t Rub Their Nose in it! – It’s such a stereotype to rub a naughty dog’s nose in whatever they’ve done. too-tough consequence is unlikely to reduce your dog’s bad behaviour.
Sometimes it takes a puppy a little while to learn where it's acceptable to relieve himself. Since dogs often mark their territory in many places outdoors, it can be hard for puppies to learn not to do the same thing in the house.

The smell they leave is a way of communicating with other animals. Even if they understand that they aren't supposed to go in the house, they may not understand the severity of their actions. Don't punish your dog by rubbing his nose in his accident.

This can create an anxiety issue or break the bond between pet and owner. Clean up the mess and redirect your dog outside.

Instead, it can create other problems like fear toward you, mistrust between you, and other behavioural issues.

Never Shout - Your dog understands the difference between your normal voice and shouting voice, just as you understand the difference between a bark and his play sounds.

However, if all the disciplining you do just sounds like loud noise to your dog, he'll eventually begin to tune you out. Or, even worse, yelling could agitate or excite your pup, which might encourage negative behaviours. Keep a calm voice and use clear, simple commands.

Please do bear in mind that everything in this post is strictly advisory and has been gathered from various reputable sources from the internet. We're not vets, and you should always seek professional advice if you ever have concerns.

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