Are You Unknowingly Using Aversive Training Techniques? Understanding Positive Punishment, Its Adverse Side Effects, & Alternative Options | Pupford

Training a dog is a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. When a dog's behavior doesn't align with our expectations, it’s easy to turn to methods that may seem effective in the short term but can have long-lasting negative consequences.

One of these methods is positive punishment, an aversive training technique that many dog guardians and un-certified dog trainers may use without fully understanding its implications.

In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of positive punishment, its place within the four quadrants of operant conditioning, the potential adverse effects on dogs, and alternative methods for training that promote a positive and healthy relationship between you and your dog.

Table of Contents:

1. The Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning
2. What Is Positive Punishment?
3. How Positive Punishment Works
4. The Learner Gets To Decide What Is Aversive
5. Expanded Examples of Positive Punishment
6. The Adverse Side Effects of Positive Punishment
7. Alternative Training Methods
8. Why Positive Reinforcement Is More Humane and Effective

The Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning

Before diving into positive punishment, it's important to understand the framework within which it exists: operant conditioning. This is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, originally developed by B.F. Skinner, which describes how behaviors are learned based on the consequences that follow them. Operant conditioning is divided into four quadrants:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Adding something the dog finds rewarding to increase the likelihood of a behavior. For example, giving a treat when a dog sits when cued.
2. Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior. An example would be releasing pressure on a leash when a dog stops pulling.
3. Positive Punishment: Adding something the dog finds unpleasant to decrease the likelihood of a behavior. This could include scolding or using a shock collar when a dog barks.
4. Negative Punishment: Removing something the dog finds rewarding to decrease the likelihood of a behavior. An example is turning away and ignoring a dog when it jumps up to greet you.

Each quadrant has its own set of tools and methods, but not all are equally beneficial for your dog’s well-being. The focus of this discussion is on positive punishment, its effects, and why it's often not the best choice.

What Is Positive Punishment?

Positive punishment occurs when something unpleasant is introduced following a behavior, with the intent to decrease or stop that behavior. The term “positive” here doesn’t imply something good; rather, it means that something is being added. “Punishment” refers to the intention of reducing a behavior.

Common examples of positive punishment in dog training include:

• Yelling or scolding: Raising your voice at a dog when they do something undesirable, like chewing on furniture.
• Shock collars: Delivering an electric shock when a dog barks or steps out of line.
• Leash corrections: Jerking the leash to stop a dog from pulling or lunging.
• Spray bottles: Spraying water in a dog’s face when they misbehave.

How Positive Punishment Works

Positive punishment relies on the idea that a dog will associate the unpleasant consequence with the behavior and thus avoid the behavior in the future. For example, if a dog is scolded every time they jump on the couch, they might start to avoid the couch to prevent being scolded.

However, the effectiveness of positive punishment depends on several factors:

• Timing: The punishment must occur immediately after the behavior, or the dog might not make the connection between the two.
• Consistency: The punishment needs to be applied every time the behavior occurs, which can be challenging to maintain.
• Perception: The dog must find the consequence unpleasant enough to stop the behavior, but not so unpleasant that it causes fear or aggression.

The Learner Gets to Decide What Is Aversive

One of the most important things to understand about aversive training techniques like positive punishment is that the dog decides what is aversive, not the trainer. What one dog finds mildly unpleasant, another might find terrifying. For instance, a loud noise might startle one dog and be completely ignored by another.

This variability makes positive punishment a risky tool. If the punishment is too mild, it won’t be effective. If it’s too harsh, it can cause significant emotional distress, leading to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

Expanded Examples of Positive Punishment

To better illustrate the concept of positive punishment, let's explore some additional examples that are commonly used in dog training:

1. Shock Collars for Barking

One of the most commonly cited examples of positive punishment is the use of shock collars. These devices are designed to deliver an electric shock to a dog’s neck when they engage in undesired behaviors, such as barking. The shock is intended to be unpleasant enough that the dog associates barking with the discomfort, leading them to stop the behavior.

Risks: While this might stop barking in the short term, the dog might become fearful or anxious, not only about barking but also about the environment where the shock occurs, such as when seeing other dogs or people. Over time, this fear could escalate to aggression or other problematic behaviors.

2. Alpha Rolls

Alpha rolls involve physically forcing a dog onto their back and holding them there to "assert dominance." This method is rooted in outdated ideas about dog behavior and pack dynamics.

Risks: The alpha roll can be highly stressful and frightening for a dog, leading to fear-based aggression. A dog that is subjected to alpha rolls may learn to associate their guardian with fear and may become more reactive, defensive, or aggressive in situations where they feel threatened.

3. Leash Jerks (Leash Corrections)

Leash jerks involve giving a sharp tug on the leash to correct behaviors like pulling, lunging, or not paying attention. The sudden discomfort is intended to discourage the behavior.

Risks: Repeated leash jerks can cause physical harm to a dog’s neck and spine, especially if done with force. Additionally, the dog may start to associate walking on a leash with discomfort, leading to stress, fear, or even aggression toward other dogs or people they encounter on walks.

4. Verbal Scolding

Yelling or scolding a dog in a loud, harsh tone after they do something undesirable, such as chewing on furniture or having an accident inside the house, is a common form of positive punishment.

Risks: Scolding can cause fear and anxiety, especially if the dog does not understand why they are being punished. If the scolding happens after the behavior has occurred (even just a few seconds later), the dog may not connect the punishment with the behavior, leading to confusion and stress.

5. Physical Punishment (Hitting or Swatting)

Physically hitting or swatting a dog for misbehavior, such as biting or stealing food, is another form of positive punishment. The intention is to make the dog associate the bad behavior with physical pain or discomfort.

Risks: Physical punishment can lead to serious behavioral issues, including fear, aggression, and distrust. A dog that is hit may become fearful of their guardian or may react aggressively out of self-defense. This can create a cycle of escalating punishment and aggression, which is dangerous for both the dog and the guardian

6. Spray Bottles

Using a spray bottle filled with water to squirt a dog when they engage in undesired behavior, such as jumping on guests or barking excessively, is another common form of positive punishment. The water is intended to startle the dog and interrupt the behavior.

Risks: While a squirt of water might seem harmless, it can cause anxiety, especially if the dog begins to fear the bottle or the person wielding it. Additionally, the dog might not understand why they are being sprayed, leading to confusion and stress. This method can also fail to address the root cause of the behavior, leaving the dog with unresolved issues.

7. Prong Collars

Prong collars are designed to tighten around a dog’s neck and pinch the skin when they pull on the leash, creating a painful sensation intended to stop pulling.

Risks: Prong collars can cause significant physical discomfort and injury, including bruising, skin irritation, and damage to the neck and trachea. They can also create a negative association with walking on a leash or with the presence of other dogs, potentially leading to leash reactivity or aggression.

8. Shaker Cans

Shaker cans are often used to startle a dog into stopping an undesirable behavior. These are typically cans filled with coins or pebbles that make a loud noise when shaken. The sudden noise is intended to be unpleasant and interrupt the dog's behavior.

Risks: While shaker cans can momentarily stop a behavior, they can also cause anxiety and fear, especially if the dog begins to associate the noise with certain situations, people, or objects. The use of shaker cans may lead to a more anxious and reactive dog, particularly in noisy environments. Additionally, the dog might not understand what behavior caused the noise, leading to confusion and a lack of learning.

The Adverse Side Effects of Positive Punishment

While positive punishment might seem to work in the short term, it often comes with a host of negative side effects that can impact your dog's overall well-being and your relationship with them. Here are some of the most common issues associated with this training method:

1. Increased Fear and Anxiety

Dogs subjected to aversive methods may develop a generalized fear of their environment or specific triggers. For example, a dog that is yelled at for barking at strangers may start to fear all strangers, associating them with the unpleasant experience of being yelled at.

Research conducted at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary shed light on the cognitive toll exacted by punishment-based training methods, revealing that dogs subjected to aversive techniques exhibited heightened stress responses.

2. Suppression of Behavior

Positive punishment can suppress a behavior without addressing the underlying cause. For instance, a dog may stop growling when punished, but this doesn’t mean the dog is no longer uncomfortable—it simply means the dog has learned not to express discomfort, which can lead to more serious problems, like biting, without warning.

3. Damage to the Human-Animal Bond

Using aversive techniques can damage the trust and bond between you and your dog. If your dog associates you with fear or discomfort, they may become less willing to interact with you, reducing the effectiveness of training and damaging the relationship.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science revealed that repeated exposure to aversive techniques - positive punishment - erodes the trust and bond between dogs and their guardians, leading to heightened levels of fear and anxiety in our canine companions.

4. Learned Helplessness

In some cases, dogs subjected to repeated punishment may develop learned helplessness, a state where the dog becomes passive and unresponsive because they’ve learned that their actions have no effect on their environment. This can lead to depression and a lack of motivation to learn or engage in any behavior.

5. Increased Aggression

Aversive methods can lead to increased aggression, especially if the dog perceives the punishment as a threat. For example, a dog that is hit or scolded may become more defensive and reactive, potentially leading to bites or other aggressive behaviors.

Learn more about the adverse side effects of aversive training in an interview with Traci Madson, a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer with more than 15 years of experience!

Alternative Training Methods

Given the potential risks associated with positive punishment, many trainers and behaviorists advocate for alternative, positive methods of training that focus on reinforcing desirable behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones. Here are some effective alternatives:

1. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for performing the desired behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. Rewards can include treats, praise, or playtime. For example, if you want your dog to sit on cue, you can reward them with a treat every time they sit, making sitting a more appealing option.

Take a deeper dive into the science behind positive reinforcement training!

2. Negative Punishment

Negative punishment involves removing something the dog finds rewarding to decrease an undesirable behavior. For instance, if your dog jumps up to greet people, you can turn away and ignore them, removing your attention (which the dog finds rewarding) until they calm down. Once the dog is calm, you can reward them with attention, reinforcing the calm behavior.

3. Desensitization and Counterconditioning

Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to a trigger (such as other dogs or loud noises) at a low intensity, while counter-conditioning involves pairing the exposure with something positive, like treats. Over time, this can change your dog’s emotional response to the trigger from fear or aggression to calmness or even excitement.

Check out our guide to desensitization and counterconditioning!

4. Management

Management involves controlling your dog’s environment to prevent undesirable behaviors from occurring in the first place. For example, if your dog tends to bark at people passing by the window, you can use blinds or curtains to block their view. While this doesn’t address the root cause of the behavior, it helps prevent the behavior from being reinforced.

Learn how to master environmental management!

Why Positive Reinforcement Is More Humane and Effective

When it comes to dog training, positive reinforcement stands out as both a humane and highly effective approach. Unlike aversive methods like positive punishment, positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desirable behaviors, which not only encourages the dog to repeat those behaviors but also strengthens the bond between the dog and their guardian.

Here’s why positive reinforcement is considered the gold standard in modern dog training:

1. Building a Stronger Bond

Positive reinforcement fosters a trusting relationship between you and your dog. When you reward your dog for good behavior, they begin to see you as a source of positive experiences. This trust is crucial for effective communication and cooperation, leading to a more harmonious relationship. In contrast, aversive techniques can create fear and anxiety, damaging the bond and making your dog less likely to engage with you willingly.

2. Encouraging a Willing Learner

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement are typically more enthusiastic and eager to learn. They are motivated by the rewards they receive—whether it’s treats, praise, or play—and are more likely to engage in training sessions with a positive attitude. This willingness to learn makes training more enjoyable for both the dog and their guardian, leading to faster and more consistent results.

3. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Positive reinforcement creates a low-stress learning environment, which is essential for effective training. Dogs that are not stressed are better able to focus and learn new behaviors. On the other hand, aversive methods can increase a dog’s stress levels, making it harder for them to concentrate and learn. Chronic stress can also lead to a host of behavioral and health issues, which can be avoided by using positive reinforcement.

Learn about the spectrum of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in dogs.

4. Promoting Long-Term Behavior Change

While positive punishment might stop a behavior in the short term, it often fails to address the underlying cause of the behavior, leading to the problem resurfacing later. Positive reinforcement, however, works by teaching the dog what to do instead of focusing on what not to do.

By consistently rewarding desired behaviors, positive reinforcement helps to create lasting behavior change that is rooted in understanding and cooperation, rather than fear or avoidance.

5. Customizable and Versatile

Positive reinforcement is highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit each individual dog’s preferences and motivations. Whether your dog is food-driven, toy-motivated, or simply craves your attention, you can choose the type of reward that will be most effective.

This flexibility makes positive reinforcement applicable to a wide range of behaviors and training scenarios, from basic obedience to complex tricks and tasks.

6. Preventing Aggression and Fear

One of the most significant benefits of positive reinforcement is its ability to prevent the development of fear and aggression. Dogs trained with positive methods are less likely to become fearful or aggressive because they are not subjected to the stress and anxiety that often accompanies aversive techniques. By focusing on building confidence and trust, positive reinforcement helps create a well-adjusted dog that is more likely to respond calmly and appropriately in various situations.

Conclusion: The Case for Positive Reinforcement

Dog training shouldn’t just be about getting your dog to obey you—it’s about creating a positive, respectful, and cooperative relationship between you and your pup. By rewarding good behavior, you encourage your dog to make the right choices, leading to a happier and more confident companion. This approach not only yields effective results but also ensures that the training process is enjoyable and enriching for both you and your dog.

In contrast, aversive techniques like positive punishment can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression, making them a less humane and potentially harmful choice. By choosing positive reinforcement, you’re not just training your dog; you’re helping them thrive.

Here at Pupford, all of our training courses only use science-based, humane training methods. Check out all our courses in Pupford Academy +!