How to Discipline a Dog: 3 Methods for Disciplining a Dog

There are many situations where you might need to discipline your dog. Even the best dogs and good dogs will sometimes need scolding to help them know that they are misbehaving. Here are a few reasons you might need to discipline a dog:

1. 1. To correct bad behaviors: You can use discipline to change your puppy's behavior, such as if they are puppy biting too hard during playtime or barking excessively.
2. 2. To establish dominance: You can use discipline to establish dominance and to show your dog that they have disobeyed you or are misbehaving.
3. 3. To train your dog: Discipline can be a useful training tool when training your dog during potty training or house training. Try to use positive reinforcement and be clear with what you are asking your dog to do during training so that your discipline doesn’t confuse them, and do your best to keep your training upbeat and positive.

Pet parents have plenty of options for discipline when their dog has bad or undesirable behavior. Dog owners can use these methods with new dogs, new puppies, and adult dogs to help correct unwanted behaviors or behavioral issues, like excessive barking or peeing or pooping indoors. You can also use these discipline methods as training techniques during your training session to reprimand them in a way that is nonviolent and healthy for you and your dog's relationship. Here are four methods to try:

1. 1. Create a time-out space. Choose a location in your home that is empty or boring for your dog, ideally away from people, windows, and anything they could play with. When your dog misbehaves, leash them in this room for just a few minutes. When you return, give them a command to have them obey. If they still do not obey, extend their time-out by another minute and try again until they listen to your commands or have calmed down.
2. 2. Use negative body language. As your dog’s trainer, you need to be clear with your body language and tone of voice when disciplining your dog. Your dog will know you are upset with them when you cross your arms, frown and look down on them, use a low tone of voice, and stand tall and apart from them. Use these cues consistently and your dog will know immediately when they have misbehaved. Conversely, you can reinforce positive behavior with positive body language, like a high tone of voice, kneeling and petting them, and smiling.
3. 3. Withhold rewards and praise. When your dog performs well or obeys, consistently give them a reward and praise them. When they misbehave or do not obey, show them that you are withholding the treat and use a lower tone of voice. You can also withhold their dog food until they obey your command, and don’t allow them to leave for a walk or get a treat until they perform well.

Violence or physical punishment can hurt your dog and will also damage your relationship with your dog.

Fixing behavioral problems and using negative reinforcement can be difficult for some dog owners and puppy parents who are hesitant to scold or punish a dog. If you are having a hard time with the use of punishment or are just getting started with obedience training or correcting negative behaviors in your dog, consider the following tips as you begin learning how to discipline your dog:

1. 1. Be consistent and vigilant. Dog training is a long-term project that requires daily effort and learning. You shouldn’t be discouraged if your dog isn’t responding to your discipline methods at first, and keep working at it to show them who is in charge in your relationship.
2. 2. Have the right tools. Having the right dog training tools and equipment can help you with your discipline methods. For example, a dog crate or dog kennel can be useful as a time-out space, and a harness leash is a safer way to restrain your dog when they are acting up without hurting them.
3. 3. Seek help from a professional. Professional dog trainers can help you with dog discipline methods and tactics for your type or breed of dog. This can be especially helpful if your dog has developed bad habits you want to eliminate.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.