We've taken corporal punishment out of our schools. We understand children learn and behave better with positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment. Many people feel it is never necessary to spank a child – and some may even consider it child abuse. So why don't people realize this is also true for our pets?

It's been proven dogs learn extremely quick and well using no physical punishment. Yet many people continue to use everything from rolled up newspapers to shock collars to punish their dog for unwanted behaviors.

The use of punishment is designed to stop unwanted behavior, but most people fail to teach what they would like their dog to do instead. Teach your dog what you would like him to do by rewarding him and giving him attention when he is behaving correctly.

Example, when your dog looks out of the window and barks at people passing by, currently you run into the room yelling at him to be quiet. In his mind he may not view your punishment in the same way that you do. He may take your yelling as you joining him in barking. He doesn't understand your words, but your increased volume may cause him to believe you've joined him in barking just as another dog might do.

Unbeknownst to you, you just reinforced his barking!

Instead, when you see your dog quietly looking out the window, give him attention, praise and rewards. As someone approaches from a distance, reward your dog before the person is close enough to elicit barking. Continue to reward your dog for being quiet and walk away from him if he barks. He will soon associate what gets him your attention is being quiet when people walk by your home.

Dogs can learn "acceptable" or "good" behavior. Sadly many people only punish their dogs, and these dogs have nothing but a lifetime of punishment ahead of them. Any time you catch your dog doing something you don't like, interrupt him with a clap of your hands or a sharp "ah – ah" followed by showing him what he can do instead and reward him for it.

More examples, if you see your pup or dog urinating on the floor, interrupt him and take him outside; reward him when he urinates outside. If your dog is chewing on furniture, interrupt him and give him one of his chew toys. Teach him to greet people with a sit rather than jumping on them.

Physical punishment is not necessary when training dogs or any other animal for that matter. We understand this with children and it applies to dogs, cats, horses, dolphins and any animal a person chooses to train.

Tip of the week: Find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods to help teach your dog acceptable behaviors rather than finding new ways to punish your dog.

Bark questions to: Canine Companion, 11652 North - 825 West, Huntington, IN 46750 or e-mail info@caninecompanion.us.

Canine Companion conducts dog training classes in Fort Wayne, Huntington and surrounding communities and behavior consulting nationwide. Along with their combined 30 years experience and endorsement by national organizations, the lead trainers are graduates of Purdue University's DOGS! Program and have earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.