Physical punishmet

[stuartl]

I was talking to another boxer owner the other day, and she suggested that when her dog is playing up to the extreme and will not listen the only way she can gain control back is to grab the puppy by the back of her neck and give a real firm no, as this is the sort of punishment the dogs Mum would give.

By implementing this would it put a strain on the owner and the dogs relationship? would the dog become scared of you ?

Willow is just over 4 months old and just recently within the last few days is pulling a lot more on her leash, and also started nipping when cutting her nails and being quite naughty and ignorant in general, I am not sure wether to try the above.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers

Stuart

 

[br54_9]

Punishment

This is just my thought, but I don't believe that physical punishment works for any animal, especially a boxer. We have had Max for almost a year now and he has misbehaved, peeing, pooing, etc. But he has never made us that upset to hit him. Our neighbor has a pug and when it misbehaves she hits it on its but, hard, and they are a little dog. Dogs have the hardest job in the world, they are fitting into are life and changing their instincts and behaviors to fit into our "world". Have patience, kindness, and love and the older they get, the better they will become with love and patience and kind nuturing.
Just my two cents worth. Max is a joy and has learned so much on his own.

 

[MoxyRoxy]

Ditto to br54_9. This is my first boxer as an adult. Much different than as a kid and being the play toy not the parent. I have to admit, at times my patience was pushed to the limit and have given a smack (not hard, but it happened) It really just fueled her to act out more. I felt horrible, guilty and like a bad mommy, I would stop grab her and just hug and cry over her. (Remember I said it wasn't even a hard smack but it hurt my heart) As Roxy is growing up and learning and I am learning things are getting much better. When she has pushed the buttons and is NOT listening-we usually get her into our lap and rub her belly and say "settle---in a low calm voice" my husband is much better at this than I. If that does not work, she has a time out in her crate until she settles.
This site has lots of great suggestions!
Good Luck

 

[lafsalot]

Your pup is at that age where he/she will challenge your authority. They can be easily disciplined by using a firm voice and redirecting them to the acceptable behavior. Harsh physical punishment only serves to scare a puppy and will actually hamper the learning process - it is much easier to teach what you want, rather than discipline what you don't want. If you use the search engine, you should find some helpful advice on how to deal with "pulling" dogs. With mine, I just refused to budge until they stopped, others swear by the halti collars. Good luck ~ Cathy

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

There is no place in any dog's life for physical punishment. If you train a dog what TO DO, you eliminate the need to reprimand or "punish" for things you don't want the dog to do.

Ask your friend if that's what her parents did to her when she acted up? Dogs are very sensitive and the more physical punishment you dole out, the less the dog will be inclined to want anything to do with you and will find ways to do what he wants to do, no matter what you do. Or worse, will eventually turn on you and dish out some of its own "punishment" on you. Ask your friend what she's going to do when the dog gets enough of her mistreatment and turns on her. Will she beat the dog? Will she give the dog away?

Physical punishment serves no other purpose than to make the OWNER feel like a big person who is in control. Grow up. If you spend the time training the dog properly and setting the example as a leader, your dog will not need punishment at all.

The only "punishment" I ever give my dogs is when they openly defy me. Then it is a matter of isolation. Dogs hate to be isolated and it is very effective in curbing extreme cases of misbehavior.

Get your friend a copy of "The Culture Clash" and have her read it cover to cover. She might learn a thing or two not only about punishment and its ill effects, but about dogs and training as well. If she wants a well behaved dog, punishment is NOT the way to achieve this.

Good think your friend is not near me. She'd surely get an ear and face full of my wrath for even thinking about mistreating a dog the way she has. That sort of behavior from HER needs some punishment.

For more information, please read this article: http://www.pawsitivesolutions.net/behavior/correction.html

 

[beasleymom]

Amen, Dan! appicon I hate hearing of anyone using punishment or physically endangering a dog as a guise for 'training'.

 

[stuartl]

Thanks

Thanks very much to all, for your input, next time I see the other owner I will advise her of all of your comments.

Stuart

By the way is it normal for Boxers to have an off few days regarding their behaviour, or do you think there could be something up, her routine has not changed.

 

[Tricia77]

Moxy - boy have I been there - just a quick light slap - then begging forgiveness I feel so evil.
Dan- you are so right! Physical punishment is for lazy people! As I say - this is the 21 century - we are the "intelligent" species - I think we can do better then pain to teach!! Like br54 says - poor dogs are trying very hard to fit in, they just need the rules.

 

[Cami]

I have never once hit my girl, that form of behavior is not even punishment it is abuse.
"In my world", punishment is removing something enjoyable because of a certain action or reaction.

Hitting any living thing is just pure abuse. I have not even yelled at my dog. I don't want her to know that side of me. The angry, short tempered, bitter person that comes out every now and then, (of all of us!).

When she does something wrong (such as jumping up on visitors) it only means that I have been unsuccessful, so far in letting her know what behavior is more warranted. I am working on this and on some days it is better than others. Hitting her if she did this wouldn't let her know what I would rather her to be doing. She would just eventually start to think that when people came to the house that she was going to be excited to see them but end up getting hit because that has been the common pattern.

 

[kactus]

we went thru all sorts of experiments to see what would calm bailey when he was going pure mad. we only got himat 6 months and he had learnt a lot of bad habbits. we have now discovered that the absolute best and easiest way to calm him is to get him up on the seat beside you and gently hold him there (like a hug not a restraint) i give him lots of calm talk like you would to settle a baby, a nice stroke, and pretty soon hes forgot about being bad and is loving his cuddles. i wasnt sure about this at first as i felt i was rewarding him for acting up, but i tried isolation and other things (including a tap on the bum) but hated doing both, and neither worked. it simply made him get even worse/ start barking/ snapping etc. this way its pain free and lovely too.