11/02/2026
Do positive trainers use punishment?
Removal of a reward, also known as “negative punishment,” can be a gentler way to teach your dog what not to do.
When using negative punishment, I always try to pair positive reinforcement for at least one other behavior to prevent confusion & frustration.
While we may not be “purely positive,” we do not use pain, fear, or intimidation in our punishment protocols. This keeps our bond strong, making Miss Honey more likely to come to me for guidance when something distressing happens.
Does this sound like to you? Positive dog training draws a lot of inspiration from the authoritative model of parenting.