How To Punish Bad Puppy Behavior (Dogs Under 6 mos)

Punishing a dog's behavior is already a controversial topic. Not that it should be. Punishment is literally, by definition, the only way to eliminate behaviors. But what is even more controversial, and shrouded in mystery because nobody wants to talk about it, is punishing a puppy's bad behaviors.

The truth is we have a different set of rules we go by when it comes to puppies (which we are defining as dogs under 6 months of age). 

So I'm going to dive into what we correct and how we correct it. And also how we avoid allowing puppy to do things we don't like when we aren't correcting it. The key to all of this is:

* Structure (lots of crate time and no free roaming)

* Lots of 1 on 1 engagement and puppy has a leash on

* Establishing priorities as far as which behaviors need to be addressed now

Typically, this is biting/mouthing, jumping, and fussing in the kennel.

* Using a safe and effective means of correction for those things we want to knock out right away.

We typically use a bonker, a leash pop, or a poke in the side, or for biting I will squeeze puppy's lips around their own teeth until it is uncomfortable for them. So... Kind of like biting them back.

These are all things that people will be horrified by, but my experience has been that this is how you effectively shape behavior which results in the best relationship. It also results in a confident, resilient, and respectful adult dog. Most of the things people say will happen (like damaging your relationship and traumatizing the dog) are imagined. They aren't real. In my experience this never happens. 

But people do create this story in their head. My experience is based on hundreds or thousands of dogs. And the results have been consistent across the board. There is no reason people should struggle with bad behavior or allow their relationship to go off the rails with their puppy because they are afraid to correct them. As long as you incorporate the structure piece so your puppy isn't always getting into trouble.  99% of what you do with your puppy will in fact be lots of food work.