08/04/2026
Discipline can be a tricky subject. Everyone has their own experiences of being disciplined — for some, it was negative and traumatic, and for others, it’s what they know and rely on.
So what is discipline? According to the Oxford Dictionary, it’s “the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, often using punishment to correct disobedience.”
Traditionally, punishment has often been used to try to correct unwanted behaviours in dogs. But modern behavioural science gives us a clearer picture of what punishment really does. Research shows that it can:
* Increase aggression
* Damage the relationship between dog and guardian
* Cause fear and anxiety
* Lead to physical or emotional harm
* Make it harder for dogs to learn new behaviours
The better approach? Teach your dog what you want them to do, rather than punishing them for what they’re doing wrong.
A simple way to do this is to make a list of behaviours you want to change and decide what you want your dog to do instead. For example:
* Don’t want your dog to jump on people? Teach them to sit when greeting instead.
* Don’t want them to toilet inside? Teach them to go outside.
* Don’t want them to chew your shoes? Provide appropriate chew items.
It’s often far easier to teach an alternative behaviour than to try to stop an unwanted one. Clear guidance helps your dog succeed and strengthens your bond.
We encourage you to create your own list for your dog. It will improve your relationship, reduce frustration, and help your dog thrive emotionally, physically, and mentally.
If you need extra support, you can find a qualified professional through the Find a Behaviourist section on the COAPE website:
https://www.coape.org/find-a-behaviourist
Early guidance can make a huge difference in building a positive, happy relationship with your dog.
