Hitting a dog as a form of discipline or punishment is a controversial topic. Some dog owners believe that hitting is an effective way to communicate to a dog when they have misbehaved, while others view it as abuse. There are strong opinions on both sides of this issue.
What does science say about hitting dogs as punishment?
Research studies have found that using punishment-based techniques like hitting dogs does not teach them the correct behavior. Instead, it often increases fear, anxiety and stress in dogs. Some of the scientific evidence against hitting dogs includes:
- A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at different training methods for dogs. The study found that positive reinforcement techniques were the most effective for teaching dogs. Punishment was ineffective and sometimes increased aggression.
- Research in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs trained with only positive reinforcement displayed fewer problem behaviors and responded better to commands than dogs trained with positive punishment techniques like hitting.
- A literature review in the journal Animal Cognition concluded that the use of physical punishment like hitting during dog training should be avoided. These methods compromise dog welfare and worsen behavior problems.
Overall, scientific research does not support hitting dogs as an effective training method. The consensus among veterinary behavior experts and animal welfare scientists is that hitting dogs as punishment is not recommended.
Does hitting a dog work to change behavior?
While some dog owners may feel that hitting their dog “works” to correct unwanted behaviors, studies show this is not the case. Here is what the evidence shows about the effectiveness of hitting to change dog behavior:
- Hitting a dog may stop unwanted behavior in the moment but does not address the root cause. For example, hitting a dog for barking may interrupt the barking but does not teach an alternative behavior.
- Hitting can increase anxiety in dogs, which can worsen behavioral issues. Punishment has been linked to increased incidence of separation anxiety, noise phobias, and aggression.
- Hitting a dog only suppresses behaviors while the owner is present. Once the owner is gone, the behavior often returns or gets worse since the dog is still not taught what to do instead.
- Hitting may cause new behavior problems by creating fear and confusion. Dogs may become fearful of things they associate with being hit like a certain room or item.
Overall, studies show that hitting is ineffective for truly changing a dog’s behavior in the long-term. Hitting may temporarily interrupt behaviors but does not address the underlying cause and teach the dog proper behavior.
Risks of hitting dogs as punishment
Using physical punishment like hitting carries several risks:
- Increased aggression – Studies show that hitting dogs can increase dog aggression toward their owners and other people or dogs. This may cause bites and attacks.
- Fear and anxiety – Hitting dogs can cause increased fear, anxiety and even phobias. This contributes to problem behaviors like separation anxiety, barking, urine marking and compulsiveness disorders.
- Loss of trust and bond – Hitting a dog can damage the human-animal bond. Dogs may become hand shy and lose trust in their owners.
- Injury – Hitting a dog with significant force could fracture bones, cause internal organ damage or brain injury. Even light hitting could cause pain or bruising.
- Suppressed warning signs – Punishment may stop dogs from growling, snarling or snapping to warn they are fearful or in pain. As a result warning signs are suppressed until the dog bites without warning.
These risks mean physical punishment like hitting has the potential to do significant physical and psychological harm. Dog experts warn that hitting should never be used.
What are the alternatives to hitting your dog?
While hitting should be avoided, dog owners still need humane and effective ways to train dogs and correct unwanted behaviors. Here are some positive alternatives:
- Positive reinforcement – Reward-based training that associates cues and commands with positive incentives like treats, praise or toys. This teaches the dog what behaviors to repeat.
- Negative punishment – Withdrawing rewards by taking away something the dog wants when they misbehave, like attention or access to a fun area. Does not use pain, fear or intimidation.
- Training aids – Using leashes, tethers or pens to control and interrupt behaviors without pain, force or fear.
- Environment management – Changing the physical environment to make unwanted behaviors impossible or unrewarding.
- Consulting trainers – Working with professional, certified trainers that use modern behavior science and force-free methods.
These alternatives address the source of behavior problems while avoiding risks and fallout from hitting dogs. They create trust and teach the correct behaviors.
Laws related to hitting dogs
In some areas, hitting or physically punishing dogs is against the law. Some of the legal considerations include:
- Animal abuse laws – In most areas, repeatedly or excessively hitting a dog may be charged as animal cruelty or abuse.
- Veterinary reporting laws – Many places require vets to report suspected abuse, including cases of hitting dogs.
- Breed-specific laws – Some cities have laws restricting punishment for breeds stereotyped as aggressive.
- Civil lawsuits – Hitting a dog that later bites or attacks someone could increase liability in a lawsuit.
While enforcement varies, dog owners need to be aware of laws limiting punishment like hitting dogs. Talk to local officials or animal welfare groups to understand laws in your area related to physically disciplining pets.
Position statements against hitting dogs
Many major dog organizations condemn hitting dogs and advise against physically punishing pets:
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior: “AVSAB’s position is that punishment (e.g., choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a primary or sole training method.”
- ASPCA: “Training should never include physical punishment like hitting, kicking, pinching, squeezing, shoving or other actions that intentionally inflict pain or fear.”
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: “The CCPDT opposes the use of shock, choke chains, prong collars or any other equipment or training methods deemed aversive by the dog.”
- Pet Professional Guild: “Pet Professional Guild members never advise clients to punish, or to use techniques that elicit fear or pain.”
These positions reflect the consensus that modern dog professionals do not condone hitting dogs or using punishment-based techniques.
Conclusion
Based on extensive research evidence, hitting dogs as punishment is ineffective and carries significant animal welfare and safety risks. Modern dog experts strongly advise owners to always use positive reinforcement and humane, force-free training techniques. While stopping unwanted behaviors may be challenging, hitting should never be the solution. With proper guidance, dog owners can find alternatives that create trust and truly change dog behavior for the better.