Why Punishment Fails

Animal Behavior Wellness Center DOES NOT condone the use of punishment tools or techniques, correction, or aversive methods that rely on pain, force, fear, or intimidation.

We focus on the use of positive reinforcement as the primary consequence when teaching new behaviors.

THE DEFINITION OF PUNISHMENT :

ANYTHING THAT STOPS A BEHAVIOR FROM OCCURRING AND/OR DECREASES THE CHANCES OF IT BEING REPEATED IN THE FUTURE.

FACT :

PUNISHMENT-BASED TRAINING TECHNIQUES INCREASE FEAR, ANXIETY, AND AROUSAL.

FACT :

PUNISHMENT CAN PUT THE USER AT RISK FOR BECOMING THE TARGET OF AGGRESSION. FACT :

THE THREAT OF PAIN IS JUST AS CAPABLE OF INDUCING STRESS, FEAR, AND EMOTIONAL DAMAGE AS THE PAIN ITSELF.

DISCONTINUE USE OF ALL PUNISHMENT AND AVERSIVE TRAINING DEVICES, INCLUDING SHOCK COLLARS (AKA - STIM, VIBRATION, E-COLLARS), PRONG COLLARS (AKA - PINCH COLLARS), PENNY CANS, SCRUFFING, WATER BOTTLES, SQUIRT GUNS, CHAIN BAGS, VERBAL SCOLDING, SPANKING, AND SWATTING.

• DO NOT punish or correct an animal for behaving like one.
  

• You can interrupt behavior (no stress, no force, no confrontation, no pain, no intimidation). Then, positively redirect the animal to something else. However, steps should be taken to better manage the behavior, or begin managing the behavior, thereafter.
  

• Training should focus on teaching and reinforcing. Again, no pain, force, confrontation, stress, or intimidation. Find more information about Behavior Modification HERE.

We encourage you to FOLLOW THE SCIENCE! and read more from the experts at The American College of Veterinary Behavior, The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

• DACVB Position Statement on The Use of Shock Collars from local Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorists

  
  

• ACVB Position Statement on Aversive Training Practices Promoted by Augusto DeOliveira otherwise known as “Dog Daddy”
  

• AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Dog Training
  

• AVSAB Position Statement on Dominance Theory
  

• AVSAB Position Statement on How to Choose a Trainer
  

• IAABC Position Statement on The Use of Flooding in Animal Training and Behavior Consulting
  

• IAABC Position Statement on Dominance Theory
  

• Do Training Methods Matter? The Wrong One Can Cost Dogs Their Lives | Fear Free® Pets The science supporting positive-reinforcement dog training is abundant. It's more effective and more humane than force-training. Here's why.
  

• The Damaging Effects of Punishment - The Case Against Force and Shock with Dr. Karen Overall | Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre
  

• Choke and shock collars are good for dogs and their training, TRUE or FALSE? Chaire Bien-être animal with Dr. Elodie Contamin, Veterinary Behaviorist
  

• Electronic Pet Fences: What You Need to Know | eileenanddogs
  

• Dog Training Science Resources | companionanimalpsychology The scientific evidence on dog training, conveniently located in one place.
  

• Fallout from the Use of Aversives | eileenanddogs  A reference list for the common side effects of the use of aversives in punishment, negative reinforcement, and without behavioral contingency.
  

© Lili Chin - doggiedrawings.net/animaltraining