Correction vs. Punishment in Dogs

The Pet Spa at Soap.Club, a leading supplier of premium quality natural pet shampoo, based out of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, has embarked on an awareness campaign targeting pet owners in an effort to promote understanding of canine behavior, based on the belief that comprehending canine behavioural traits is the most effective way to train and live with a dog.

Jack Widmer, manager of The Pet Spa at Soap.Club, says; “In most cases once a dog owner realizes that they have to learn why dogs behave as they do, mannerism correction and training becomes less problematic.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises that “Pet training is not a regulated industry in the United States, so the companion animal guardian is obliged to inform himself about the different approaches to training in order to select a trainer or training methodology that is both humane and effective.”

“To effectually train a dog, it is important to understand the clear distinction between making a correction and punishment” says Widmer. There is no positive benefit in administering punishment to a dog, it affects them psychologically and usually instigates submission, fear, anger, and often aggression in the animal that many times only causes them to act out more. Correction, on the other hand, gives a dog a piece of information and if done correctly, will get a dog back in sync with the handler. A correction is negative enforcement, whereby a dog parent can make the wrong thing difficult, and the right thing easy and comfortable for the dog.

Timing

To be effective, correcting dogs in the moment is necessary so as not to confuse them. Dogs brains are wired differently than humans, they are only capable of associating things based on whatever they are presently involved in. If dog owners try to correct their dogs for something they did in the past, (even just a few moments ago) the dog will not associate the correcting with the undesirable action they have carried out in the past. A correction is when a command of disapproval is given at the moment the deed is about to be done or is being done. A punishment is anything thereafter.

Methodology

A dog must be taught boundaries via verbal corrections, the intensity of the command should be just enough to make him listen, but not so harsh as to scare them or cause anguish. A pet owner can determine from the dog’s mannerisms whether it has a healthy reaction to the correction. Canines are very adept at reading facial expressions and determining the mood and disposition of their human companions. Good communication between owner and best friend is best achieved by means of an abundance of patience.

Many pet owners have discovered that relationships with their loyal companion can be strengthened through regular activities such as routine bathing. “Proper, gentle, bathing using a natural dog shampoo, and begun at an early age, can instill trust for a pet parent in their furry friend” according to Widmer. “The Pet Spa Hypoallergenic Pet Shampoo and Conditioner is scentless and contains no artificial chemicals, this tends to have a calming, relaxing affect when used on your loyal companion. Making it a logical addition to any Pet Health Management System,” he says.

There is a wide range of dog health and behavior sites available on-line that can help dog parents provide the best possible care for their canine companions, and dog owners may consider investing in a dog behaviour guide to teach them how to better understand their best friend.

Those interested in learning more of the health benefits of natural hypoallergenic pet products can visit Soap.Club online. The Pet Spa natural pet shampoo is currently available on Amazon, where it has attracted a significant level of positive reviews from customers hailing its effectiveness.