04/21/2026
So many dogs and owners out there struggling simply because no one knows how to properly punish unwanted behavior.
So here’s a super quick tutorial.
Use a verbal marker that 1/ Specifies precisely what behavior is unwanted, and 2/ Creates a bridge between the moment the behavior occurred and when you actually apply the punishment. “No” is simple and natural for most folks… so use that.
By using a marker (this is the same thing as a clicker or “Yes” for desired behavior, but for the opposite), you create clarity for the dog (“That behavior right there is unwanted”, aka “Contingent Punishment”), and you create time for yourself to deliver the punishment calmly and effectively without any clumsy rushing or emotionality that clouds the communication or its proper delivery.
After saying “No”, you then have to apply your punisher. This could be a sq**rt of water, a leash pop, a tossed bonker, an e-collar correction, or?
The tool used needs to be something you’re skilled in applying, and it needs to be appropriate for the specific situation. Using tools willy-nilly is a bad idea—so simply take some time and do some solid research or hire a skilled balanced trainer. This isn’t rocket science, but there are proper ways to do this, and with a little work anyone can learn to do it right.
PS, if in your research travels you come across the standard bu****it: “Punishment will ruin your dog and your relationship”, “Punishment is never needed—instead just reward what you want and ignore what you don’t want and you’ll be great”, “You only have 1-2 seconds to punish or your dog won’t understand why it’s being punished”… just know it is indeed bu****it. What ruins relationships are 1/ problem behaviors that don’t get resolved, and 2/ unhealthy emotional responses to unwanted behavior—not properly applied punishment. As for reward what you want and ignore what you don’t want—if you’re slapping me because you enjoy it and I ignore your slapping and reward your non-slapping, have I taught you not to slap me? No. I’ve only taught you you CAN slap me AND you’ll be rewarded when you don’t. To inhibit specific behavior you need to attach a specific unwanted consequence to the behavior. Period. And for the 1-2 seconds nonsense, if you’re using a marker, like “No” you’re not limited to 1-2 seconds—you have an enormous amount of time… just ask the whales responding to a whistle marker for “Yes” as they swim around the tank to get their fish if they got there in 1-2 seconds.
