May 22, 2025, 12:46 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Punishments in dog training are controversial. While some insist on consistency and clear boundaries, others advocate for complete freedom from violence and punishment. But what is truly effective–and what is allowed?
When people hear the word punishment, they often think of something negative, like yelling at or even hitting the dog. However, in learning theory, punishment also means taking away something pleasant from the dog, as dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains in an interview with PETBOOK. Specifically, if you only give your dog a treat when he shows the correct behavior, you are also using a so-called “negative punishment.” And dog training can’t do without it. Or can it?
Unfortunately, muzzle grabs or leash jerks are still used as punishment
PETBOOK: Katharina, many people immediately associate punishment with physical violence. Is that even allowed? And can I punish my dog if he behaves “incorrectly”?
Katharina Marioth: “Punishment can occur in different ways–not just physically. In learning theory, we talk about ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ punishment. This has nothing to do with good or bad, but with ‘adding something’ or ‘taking something away.’ Positive punishment means: I add something unpleasant–for example, a punitive stimulus. Unfortunately, this still includes widespread methods like muzzle grabs, leash jerks, or even banned tools like electric or prong collars.
Negative punishment, on the other hand, means: I take away something the dog wants. An example: My dog wants a cookie, I hold it up and wait until he behaves calmly–this is a mild form of punishment. Or I deliberately ignore my dog to avoid reinforcing unwanted behavior.”
Also interesting: These three mistakes many dog owners make at the beginning
“Without any rules? I find that difficult”
Can punishments be used effectively?
“In certain situations, yes. If a dog jumps on me and I turn away, I take away his attention–a form of punishment that I find appropriate. Also, in building frustration tolerance, such as with puppies, closing the hand with a treat can be an important learning experience. The key is: violence has no place. We work with emotionally sensitive, intelligent animals–there’s no need for ‘crackdowns.'”
Some trainers or dog owners completely reject punishments and opt for a punishment-free upbringing. What do you think of that?
“It depends on the situation. There are dogs that react extremely sensitively to the slightest changes in human behavior. They often don’t need any correction. But without any rules? I find that difficult. Dogs always show behavior with the goal of improving their condition. If we don’t set any boundaries, they lack orientation in living with us–whether in the city, in the countryside, or in contact with wildlife. These rules don’t have to be enforced harshly, but they are necessary.”
So no punishment–but rules?
“Exactly. Violence-free, yes–but a completely punishment-free upbringing is hardly realistic in practice. What’s important is how we communicate with the dog: fairly, clearly, and respectfully.”
You can watch the entire interview with Katharina Marioth in the video.