Negative punishment definition

Not always and not everything is needed encourage . What has entered life and everyday life, has become a habit, has become a tradition, does not require encouragement . It is necessary to encourage only for real, not for imaginary merits. Reward should be applied on a child-specific basis.

Be careful not to praise too much. I immediately want to “put in place” such praise, to show my true nature. The child, as if feeling doubts whether he is so “wonderful, sweet, irreplaceable”, tries to refute the praise with his behavior. The child will appreciate sincere praise, and next time he will be sincerely glad to please you.

Praise should be directed to the child's deed, not to his personality. The child may feel anxiety, because he is far from being as perfect as they say he is. And listening to the endless exclamations: “What a wonderful child! Well, smart girl ”- the baby risks growing up as a narcissistic egocentric.

Do not express your approval in financial terms for helping with chores or creative activities. A person successfully does what he chooses sincerely, for internal reasons. If the child knows that payment will follow the action, then he will radically change the nature of his behavior - from “creative doing”, his activity will turn into “making money”.

In families with several children, parents should ensure that the encouragement of one child does not arouse envy or resentment in the rest.

Definitely exclude the reward method - candy or chocolate. Children, of course, are very fond of eating, but you should not create a cult of food and bring up excessive interest in it. Of course, it is easier to buy candy for a child than to take care of a baby. Easier, but far from better.

Encouragement should follow a good deed, not be promised in advance. Your child must learn to enjoy the work itself, and not try for the reward. In life, not all deeds are rewarded, and one should not be taught to always expect it.

Teach your child to be grateful for any signs of attention shown to him.

The main method of education is persuasion. And for this, talk to your child, communicate with him, look for examples of positive confirmation of your thoughts, be tactful, convincing him. Only then will your thoughts become his thoughts, your aspirations will become his aspirations.

Prepared by SSHS psychologist S.A. Sytina
using Internet resources

What is positive punishment in dog training? Why does a man need a dog?

You noticed that I said positive punishment, not just punishment. In everyday speech, we often talk about punishment when what we technically mean by that is positive punishment. We can also have negative punishment, but that will be a topic for another post.

"Punishment" means something that reduces the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, i.e. the frequency of such behavior is reduced. And "positive" means that something has been added.

So positive punishment means adding something after the dog has performed a behavior that reduces the frequency of that behavior.

For example, if a dog jumps on you, you can knee him in the chest, and the next time you see him, the dog will not jump, i.e. you positively punished the jumping dog. You've added something (unpleasant sensation of pushing your knee into your chest) and reduced the frequency of the behavior.

Please note: I do not recommend this method of dog training and we will get to the reasons why in a bit. And it might not work either (for example, if the dog takes it as a game and keeps jumping, in which case it doesn't work as a punishment).

Examples of positive punishment

There are many examples of positive punishment: scolding a dog, spanking with a newspaper, using a collar with citronella spray to stop barking (when the dog barks, a citronella-scented spray is sprayed), alpha flip or “dominance” ”, when the dog is laid on its side or turned over on its back and kept in this position after it has done something that the owner did not like; using a strict collar that cuts into the dog's neck when he is pulling on the leash, hitting the dog with the leash or jerking when he does something that the owner does not like, using a shock collar to stop what the dog is doing, etc.

This is not an exhaustive list and you may have seen other forms of positive punishment.

In everyday language, some of them are called "correction". For example, jerking the lead to get the dog to sit when asked is often referred to as "leash correction".

But it is important to understand that this is still the same positive punishment. In other words, you added something anyway (a tug on the leash that the dog feels around its neck) that should reduce the likelihood of the behavior occurring.

One of the reasons it's important to keep this in mind is that dog training is not regulated in any way and sometimes dog trainers are not very versed in the methods they use. Unfortunately, people sometimes say that this is not a punishment. Even in some popular books, explanations can be quite confusing and unclear (Browne et al., 2017). This makes it difficult for ordinary people to understand what the trainer is actually going to do with their dog.

But I tried it on myself and it didn't hurt me!

Sometimes people say that they put a strict collar on their arm and pulled, and it didn't hurt them. Sometimes people repeat this experience with a shock collar. So they think it's okay to use them on their dog.

The problem is that they usually control the tension of the collar and the strength of the shock because they do it themselves (or someone else does it, but they know when it will happen).

This may sound like a minor detail, but it is of great importance. It is one thing to have control over it, and quite another if it happens to you out of the blue, and if the same thing repeats and continues.

Lack of control over something can itself be a source of stress.

Another point to keep in mind is how it works. For it to work to stop the behavior, the animal must find it unpleasant (if it liked it or didn't even notice it, it wouldn't reduce the frequency of the behavior).

Finally, the skin on your dog's neck is actually very thin. The San Francisco SPCA reports that "the skin on a human neck is actually thicker (10-15 cell layers) than the skin on a dog's neck (3-5 layers). " They have a lot of helpful resources if you want to learn more about strict collars.

We tend to think that since dogs have fur, they should be more protected from such things than we are with our bare skin. But the dog's neck is a very sensitive area. If you remember the anatomy of the neck, it contains important organs, such as the trachea. Applying pressure to the trachea is not in vain for any dog, but it can be especially dangerous for brachiocephalic breeds that are already difficult to breathe.

So putting something on your hand is not the most reliable way to experience what your dog will feel (there is, of course, a more philosophical question about what a dog feels, but in this case I suggest you read Alexandra Horowitz's book).

But isn't my dog ​​trying to dominate?

In fact, scientists agree that dominance is not the way to train dogs. The dominance theory used to be very common (you can still find it in some books, TV shows, and trainers anyway), but it's an outdated approach to dog training.

One of the problems with the dominance approach is that it assumes that the dog is always trying to dominate you. First of all, it is not, and secondly, he describes your relationship with the dog as a competition. And it might convince people to use positive punishment (like an alpha flip) because they think that's what science recommends, but it's not.

Some of the things people refer to as dominance include walking in front of you when the dog is on a leash, going through the door first, eating first, getting on the couch or bed. People have told me that they are worried that their dog will become naughty because they like to let him sit on the couch with them.

Let me reassure you that it's okay to let your dog sit on the couch if you want to. It's equally fine if you prefer her not to; just give your dog a good bed and reward him for using it (you can even hide a piece of food there to give the dog a nice surprise when he goes to bed). Thus, she will love her sunbed more than the couch. And you can even teach her to go there on command if required.

It is also normal for the dog to walk ahead of you, get out the door first, and get his meal first. Just decide what is comfortable for you and stick to it.

On the other hand, if the dog is walking in front of you because he is walking on a tight leash, then it is not your dog that is dominant, it is just a dog that wants to go faster because there is something very interesting somewhere out there, and she wants to get it quickly. You can use a harness like the Easy Walk to make it easier for your dog to move around without causing stress (Grainger, Mills and Montrose 2016).

Are there risks in using positive punishment?

Unfortunately, scientific studies of various dog training methods show that there are potential risks when using positive punishment, which is an aversive method.

In their review of the scientific literature on dog training, Ziv (2017) reports:

“Despite methodological problems, it appears that aversive training methods have undesirable unintended results and that their use compromises the welfare of dogs. In addition, there is no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based learning methods. At least 3 studies in this review demonstrate that the opposite may be true for both domestic and working dogs. Therefore, it is recommended that the community use reward as the basis of dog training and avoid, as far as possible, aversive training methods.”

Some of the problems that are reported to be a consequence of the use of positive punishment in dog training are an increase in fear, aggression and stress.

One study found an aggressive response in dogs to positive punishment (Herron, Reisner and Shofer, 2009). For example, 11% of dogs were aggressive in response to the use of a tight collar or garrote, 15% when the dog was yelled "no", and 43% when the dog was hit or kicked.

The more often people use positive punishment, the more likely they are to report that their dog is aggressive and/or excitable (Arhant et al., 2010). The use of aversive teaching methods is a risk factor for aggression towards strangers and family members (Casey et al 2010). And what surprises some people is that people who talk about using positive punishment in dog training are more likely to report behavior problems (Hiby, Rooney and Bradshaw, 2004). This is also the case when we compare those who use a shock collar with those who use positive reinforcement when learning to call (approach on command). People who use ESHO were less successful in learning than they expected (Blackwell et al 2012).

Sometimes people say they use ESHO because they think it is more effective. In fact, in a pilot study involving professional dog trainers, there was no difference in the effectiveness of shock collars compared to positive reinforcement for call training in the presence of livestock (sheep) (Cooper et al., 2014). But there were issues with the dog's well-being when using the ESHO.

Authors write:

“It appears that the routine use of stun collars, even with experience (according to the manufacturers of ESHOs), poses a health risk to dogs. This risk is expected to increase when it is used by a non-professional."

What do professional organizations say about the use of positive punishment in dog training?

In its recommendation for choosing a dog trainer, the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior states:

“Studies show that dogs do not need to be physically punished in order to be trained to behave properly, and there are significant risks associated with the use of punishment (eg inhibition of learning, increased fear and/or provoking aggression).

Trainers who routinely use tight collars, chokes, electroshock collars, and other methods of physical punishment as their primary training method should therefore be avoided.”

What about cowardly, anxious or aggressive dogs?

Sometimes people think positive punishment is the only thing that will work on an aggressive dog. Unfortunately, using aversive techniques can cause the dog to become more aggressive. The cause of aggression is often fear and anxiety, and the use of positive punishment does nothing to eliminate them.

One risky scenario is when a dog is punished for growling because the owner doesn't like being growled at. But he does nothing to deal with the reason why the dog is growling (for example, maybe the dog is afraid and wants someone to stay away from her, or she growls when her food bowl is taken from her).

What happens in this case? The dog learns not to growl, but the problem that caused this behavior still exists. Punishment does nothing to help the dog love or trust people. It is possible that next time, instead of growling, she will just bite.

If a dog growls at you, you must stop what you are doing. Ask yourself why she growls. Then find another solution, even if it's a long-term approach that requires the help of a dog trainer.

If your dog is afraid or anxious then it is especially important not to use positive punishment as this will only increase the fear or anxiety. It can also make the dog fear you if they link you to the source of the punishment. Again, you may need to find a good dog trainer to help solve your problem.

Shouldn't we use all available tools?

Some people like to use a combination of positive reinforcement and positive punishment to train their dog. This is commonly referred to as "balanced" dog training.

However, there are a number of problems with this "balanced" dog training. The risks of punishment don't go away just because you occasionally offer treats or games to your dog. This is evident from some of the studies mentioned above, where many participants used both positive reinforcement and positive punishment.

Just because a range of methods are available does not mean that you should use them all.

Fortunately, tools such as corrective harnesses (eg Easy Walk) and automatic feed dispensers are available these days, so there are far more options than before for people who want an alternative to punishment. And there's a lot more information in books, on TV and on the internet than before, so if you're looking for information, it's there (but you still have to be very careful with your sources, as there's a lot of misinformation about dog training too). ).

It is up to you, as a dog owner, to use methods that you think are safe for your dog and will work. If a dog trainer suggests a method that you don't like, look for another trainer.

How should I train my dog?

If you used to think of training as a way to wean your dog from doing something, then you should think about what you would like to teach your dog to do instead.

For example, you do not want your dog to jump on people who come to you or passers-by on the street. You have several options for what you can train the dog in this case. Maybe you want the dog to sit down to be petted. Perhaps you would like to train a dog to touch a person's hand with its nose, so the dog will be able to sniff the person, but all four of its paws will remain on the ground. Maybe you really don't mind if not all of those paws stay on the ground. Or maybe you just wish your dog could walk alongside instead of running towards all the people in the world.

It's all possible and what you choose is up to you. Your dog exhibits a very common, friendly behavior where he jumps on people to greet them, but you can train him to greet them however you would like.

Instead of using positive punishment for bad behavior, consider using positive reinforcement to teach your dog what to do. This is better for your dog because it avoids the risks associated with positive punishment. And there are other benefits of using positive reinforcement in dog training that are not covered here.

And if you need help, you can always hire a dog trainer. Just remember that dog training is not regulated in any way, so be careful in choosing a good trainer for your dog.

Conclusion

When people talk about punishment in dog training, they often mean what is technically known as positive punishment.

Positive punishment means adding something to reduce the likelihood of the behavior, such as using a dash, alpha flip, or hitting the dog. While many people still use positive punishment to train their dog at least occasionally, there are risks associated with its use, including the risks of fear, anxiety, stress, and aggression. It is also possible that the dog will associate the punishment with the owner and therefore become afraid of him. Positive reinforcement is better for animal welfare, and there are even a few studies that suggest they work better.

I will end with a quote from Hiby, Rooney and Bradshaw (2004).

"Because reward-based methods are associated with higher levels of obedience and fewer problem behaviors, we suggest their use as a more effective and well-being alternative to punishment for the average dog owner."

We must decide how to train our dogs, but it makes sense to use methods that are good for the welfare of the dogs.

Refs.

• Arhant, C., Bubna-Littitz, H., Bartels, A., Futschik, A., & Troxler, J. (2010). Behavior of smaller and larger dogs: effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behavior and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 123(3), 131-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010. 01.003
• Blackwell, E. J., Bolster, C., Richards, G., Loftus, B. A., & Casey, R. A. (2012). The use of electronic collars for training domestic dogs: estimated prevalence, reasons and risk factors for use, and owner perceived success as compared to other training methods. BMC Veterinary Research, 8(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-8-93
• Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PloS one, 9(9), e102722.
• Grainger, J., Wills, A. P., & Montrose, V. T. (2016). The behavioral effects of walking on a collar and harness in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 14, 60-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.06.002
• Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors.

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