May 25, 2025, 1:20 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Punishments in dog training are controversial. While some advocate for consistency and clear boundaries, others prefer a completely non-violent and punishment-free approach. But what is truly effective—and what is permissible?
When people hear the word punishment, they often think of something negative, like yelling at or even hitting dogs. 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, this means that giving your dog a treat only after it shows the correct behavior is also working with what’s called “negative punishment.” And you can’t do without it in dog training. Or can you?
Unfortunately, muzzle grabs or leash jerks are still used as punishment
PETBOOK: Katharina, many people immediately think of physical violence when it comes to punishment. Is that even allowed? And can I punish my dog if it 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—such as a punitive stimulus. Unfortunately, this still includes common methods like muzzle grabs, leash jerks, or even banned tools like shock 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 it behaves calmly—that’s a mild form of punishment. Or I deliberately ignore my dog to not reinforce unwanted behavior.”
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“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 withdraw 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 punishment and opt for a completely punishment-free upbringing. What do you think of that?
“It depends on the situation. There are dogs that respond extremely well 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 state. 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 needed.”
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.”