Why we punish: part two
Humans instinctively turn to punishment as a way to correct behaviour, even in dog training, despite research overwhelmingly supporting reward-based methods. This tendency is rooted in cognitive biases, social conditioning, and immediate reinforcement for the punisher. Many people believe punishment is necessary to stop unwanted behaviour because it mirrors how human societies operate—if you break a rule, there are consequences. However, dogs do not process punishment in the same way humans do, often leading to confusion and stress rather than learning.
Traditional training methods have long emphasized dominance and control, reinforcing the belief that punishment is necessary to establish leadership. The now-debunked dominance theory encouraged owners to assert authority through physical corrections, leading many to feel pressure to be “firm” even when they instinctively feel otherwise. Additionally, the influence of media trainers who promote aversive techniques has further normalized punishment in training. These outdated beliefs persist, despite evidence showing that fear-based training damages the human-dog bond and can increase aggression.
Punishment also provides immediate relief to the punisher. If a dog jumps on a guest and the owner yells, the dog may stop temporarily, reinforcing the owner's belief that punishment works. However, long-term effects—such as increased anxiety, fear, or avoidance—are not immediately visible. This short-term success cycle conditions owners to continue using punishment, even if it doesn't truly teach the dog the correct behaviour.
Scientific studies have shown that aversive training methods, such as yelling, leash jerks, or shock collars, lead to higher stress levels in dogs. One study found that dogs trained with punishment displayed increased stress behaviours and higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels compared to those trained with positive reinforcement. These dogs also exhibited more pessimistic attitudes in behavioural tests, suggesting a negative emotional state. Furthermore, punishment-based training has been linked to heightened aggression, as dogs experiencing fear or discomfort may lash out defensively. Conversely, reward-based training has been proven to accelerate learning and improve long-term behaviour while maintaining trust and emotional well-being.
The human tendency to punish first stems from deep-seated instincts and learned behaviour. Punishment gives a sense of control, but when applied to dogs, it often creates fear and confusion rather than understanding. The communication gap between humans and dogs exacerbates frustration, leading owners to believe the dog "knows better" and is being defiant. In reality, dogs respond best to clear, consistent reinforcement of desired behaviours rather than being punished for mistakes they do not fully comprehend.
Ultimately, research consistently demonstrates that positive reinforcement leads to better training outcomes, stronger bonds, and emotionally healthier dogs. As more owners move towards force-free training, they recognize that just because punishment feels instinctive doesn’t mean it is effective—or fair. If grizzly bears can be trained using rewards, dogs certainly do not require pain or fear to learn. Understanding and challenging our punitive instincts can lead to better, kinder relationships with the animals we share our lives with.