How do you punish a puppy without hurting them?
Rachel Davis
Updated on February 26, 2026
Putting your dog in time-out is a much gentler alternative to physical punishment. Instead of hitting your dog, simply put them in another room or place them in a designated kennel for a little bit. This technique works because you're taking away the thing they love.
How do you punish a puppy nicely?
First, stop your dog in the act of whatever he's doing, then give him a different, pet parent-approved option. For example, if you walk into a room and notice him chewing your shoes or hairbrush, swiftly tell him "No!" and take the item out of his mouth. Once your dog is calm, present him with an actual chew toy.How do you discipline a puppy without hitting it?
Disciplinary methods that are considered to be positive and beneficial are:
- Time-outs.
- Using your voice to put a stop to unwanted behavior, rather than hitting your dog.
- Taking their toys away.
- Avoiding giving your dog attention when they misbehave.
How do you teach a puppy no?
The Hand and Treat MethodAs you close your hand, say "No!". Let him lick and sniff, but do not give him the treat. When he finally gives up and backs away, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat the above step several times until your pup figures out he gets the treat only when he obeys the 'no' command.
Is hitting a dog for discipline?
Hitting or beating is thought to discourage bad behaviors when applied with the proper force, timing, and redirection. However, pain-based aversive techniques are risky. Studies show that they significantly increase stress, lower a dog's quality of life, and may even increase dog aggression.How To PUNISH A Dog | The Right and The GENTLE Way
Does your dog remember if you hit them?
If they are hurt, do they harbor anger, resentment, and negative feelings in their canine psyche? Yes, in some capacity, dogs remember something negative that caused them harm. Dogs growl at certain people, wag for others, and snarl at a dog who barked at them one time on a walk.What can I do instead of yelling at my dog?
Yelling also can make your dog less likely to respond to your commands, which makes you more frustrated and likely to yell. New research and most dog-training experts recommend you stop yelling at your dog and instead use a soft, quiet voice when you talk to your dog.Is it OK to scold a puppy?
The short answer is: no. It is not OK to punish your puppy. The most important thing during a puppy's first months of life is to teach him that you are his friend and protector and that you are reliable, predictable and fun. Your puppy most likely has no idea what you are punishing him for if you discipline him.How do I tell my dog I am mad?
If you want your dog to know that you're mad, they're probably going know without any training, because of your facial expressions and tone of voice. However, if you want to do more, you can try to give your dog a treat every time you're laughing or smiling.Do dogs cry when you scold them?
In the study, dogs acted guilty when scolded by their owners, regardless of whether they had actually committed the act for which they were being scolded. Based on this, it seems likely that dogs learn quickly that when pet parents unhappy with them, they can placate their humans by looking sad.How do dogs say sorry?
Dogs say sorry by expressing physical signs like the tail-between-the-legs pose, dropped ears, wide eyes, reduce panting, rubbing their face against the paw or wagging the tail. Usually, it's the dog's way to accept that they made a mistake and it is a submissione expression rather than saying sorry.Can my puppy be mad at me?
The short answer is yes, it's possible for your dog to feel upset. But here's the good news: Your dog isn't mad “at” you in the way that you're imagining. According to PetMD, while dogs definitely feel emotions, they don't associate blame with those emotions.Can I hit my dog if it bites me?
Don't resort to physical punishment.Hitting a dog, or being too rough with a dog, frequently encourages more biting as well. Physical punishment could injure a dog, but it could also ruin the relationship that you have with your puppy or dog. Avoid this type of discipline at all costs.
Why you shouldn't hit dogs on the nose?
Of all a dog's body parts the nose is therefore an overall delicate area considering its internal nasal structures. A traumatic nose injury in dogs can cause bleeding and pain that may require veterinary attention. Dogs should not be tapped, smacked or punched on the nose with the hands or other objects for any reason.How do you tell if your dog hates you?
20 Signs Your Pet Hates You
- They're Peeing On Things.
- They Chew Up Your Stuff.
- They're Using Your House as a Toilet.
- They Bite.
- They Scratch.
- They Growl.
- Their Ears Are Back or Flat.
- They Bare Their Teeth.