There are many situations where you might need to discipline your dog. Even the best dogs and good dogs will sometimes need scolding to help them know that they are misbehaving. Here are a few reasons you might need to discipline a dog: 

1. __To correct bad behaviors__: You can use discipline to change your puppy's behavior, such as if they are puppy biting too hard during playtime or barking excessively.
2. __To establish dominance__: You can use discipline to establish dominance and to show your dog that they have disobeyed you or are misbehaving.
3. __To train your dog__: Discipline can be a useful training tool when training your dog during potty training or house training. Try to use positive reinforcement and be clear with what you are asking your dog to do during training so that your discipline doesn’t confuse them, and do your best to keep your training upbeat and positive.
Pet parents have plenty of options for discipline when their dog has bad or undesirable behavior. Dog owners can use these methods with new dogs, new puppies, and adult dogs to help correct unwanted behaviors or behavioral issues, like excessive barking or peeing or pooping indoors. You can also use these discipline methods as training techniques during your training session to reprimand them in a way that is nonviolent and healthy for you and your dog's relationship. Here are four methods to try: 

1. __Create a time-out space__. Choose a location in your home that is empty or boring for your dog, ideally away from people, windows, and anything they could play with. When your dog misbehaves, leash them in this room for just a few minutes. When you return, give them a command to have them obey. If they still do not obey, extend their time-out by another minute and try again until they listen to your commands or have calmed down. 
2. __Use negative body language__. As your dog’s trainer, you need to be clear with your body language and tone of voice when disciplining your dog. Your dog will know you are upset with them when you cross your arms, frown and look down on them, use a low tone of voice, and stand tall and apart from them. Use these cues consistently and your dog will know immediately when they have misbehaved. Conversely, you can reinforce positive behavior with positive body language, like a high tone of voice, kneeling and petting them, and smiling. 
3. __Withhold rewards and praise__. When your dog performs well or obeys, consistently give them a reward and praise them. When they misbehave or do not obey, show them that you are withholding the treat and use a lower tone of voice. You can also withhold their dog food until they obey your command, and don’t allow them to leave for a walk or get a treat until they perform well. 

Violence or physical punishment can hurt your dog and will also damage your relationship with your dog.
Fixing behavioral problems and using negative reinforcement can be difficult for some dog owners and puppy parents who are hesitant to scold or punish a dog. If you are having a hard time with the use of punishment or are just getting started with obedience training or correcting negative behaviors in your dog, consider the following tips as you begin learning how to discipline your dog: 

1. __Be consistent and vigilant__. Dog training is a long-term project that requires daily effort and learning. You shouldn’t be discouraged if your dog isn’t responding to your discipline methods at first, and keep working at it to show them who is in charge in your relationship.
2. __Have the right tools__. Having the right dog training tools and equipment can help you with your discipline methods. For example, a dog crate or dog kennel can be useful as a time-out space, and a harness leash is a safer way to restrain your dog when they are acting up without hurting them.
3. __Seek help from a professional__. Professional dog trainers can help you with dog discipline methods and tactics for your type or breed of dog. This can be especially helpful if your dog has developed bad habits you want to eliminate.
Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan. 
Learn how to discipline a dog by using methods like withholding rewards and praise or by giving your dog a time-out. You can use discipline as part of your dog training program or to help correct your dog’s behavior or bad habits.

Learn how to discipline a dog by using methods like withholding rewards and praise or by giving your dog a time-out. You can use discipline as part of your dog training program or to help correct your dog’s behavior or bad habits.

How to Discipline a Dog: 3 Methods for Disciplining a Dog

There are many situations where you might need to discipline your dog. Even the best dogs and good dogs will sometimes need scolding to help them know that they are misbehaving. Here are a few reasons you might need to discipline a dog: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. To correct bad behaviors: You can use discipline to change your puppy&#39;s behavior, such as if they are puppy biting too hard during playtime or barking excessively. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. To establish dominance: You can use discipline to establish dominance and to show your dog that they have disobeyed you or are misbehaving. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. To train your dog: Discipline can be a useful training tool when training your dog during potty training or house training. Try to use positive reinforcement and be clear with what you are asking your dog to do during training so that your discipline doesn’t confuse them, and do your best to keep your training upbeat and positive. </li></ol>

Why Might a Dog Need to Discipline?

Pet parents have plenty of options for discipline when their dog has bad or undesirable behavior. Dog owners can use these methods with new dogs, new puppies, and adult dogs to help correct unwanted behaviors or behavioral issues, like excessive barking or peeing or pooping indoors. You can also use these discipline methods as training techniques during your training session to reprimand them in a way that is nonviolent and healthy for you and your dog&#39;s relationship. Here are four methods to try: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Create a time-out space. Choose a location in your home that is empty or boring for your dog, ideally away from people, windows, and anything they could play with. When your dog misbehaves, leash them in this room for just a few minutes. When you return, give them a command to have them obey. If they still do not obey, extend their time-out by another minute and try again until they listen to your commands or have calmed down. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Use negative body language. As your dog’s trainer, you need to be clear with your body language and tone of voice when disciplining your dog. Your dog will know you are upset with them when you cross your arms, frown and look down on them, use a low tone of voice, and stand tall and apart from them. Use these cues consistently and your dog will know immediately when they have misbehaved. Conversely, you can reinforce positive behavior with positive body language, like a high tone of voice, kneeling and petting them, and smiling. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Withhold rewards and praise. When your dog performs well or obeys, consistently give them a reward and praise them. When they misbehave or do not obey, show them that you are withholding the treat and use a lower tone of voice. You can also withhold their dog food until they obey your command, and don’t allow them to leave for a walk or get a treat until they perform well. </li></ol>Violence or physical punishment can hurt your dog and will also damage your relationship with your dog.

3 Methods for Disciplining a Dog

Fixing behavioral problems and using negative reinforcement can be difficult for some dog owners and puppy parents who are hesitant to scold or punish a dog. If you are having a hard time with the use of punishment or are just getting started with obedience training or correcting negative behaviors in your dog, consider the following tips as you begin learning how to discipline your dog: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Be consistent and vigilant. Dog training is a long-term project that requires daily effort and learning. You shouldn’t be discouraged if your dog isn’t responding to your discipline methods at first, and keep working at it to show them who is in charge in your relationship. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Have the right tools. Having the right dog training tools and equipment can help you with your discipline methods. For example, a dog crate or dog kennel can be useful as a time-out space, and a harness leash is a safer way to restrain your dog when they are acting up without hurting them. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Seek help from a professional. Professional dog trainers can help you with dog discipline methods and tactics for your type or breed of dog. This can be especially helpful if your dog has developed bad habits you want to eliminate. </li></ol>

3 Tips for Disciplining Your Dog

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.

Want to Learn More About Training the Goodest Boy or Girl?

Learn how to discipline a dog by using methods like withholding rewards and praise or by giving your dog a time-out. You can use discipline as part of your dog training program or to help correct your dog’s behavior or bad habits.

Learn how to discipline a dog by using methods like withholding rewards and praise or by giving your dog a time-out. You can use discipline as part of your dog training program or to help correct your dog’s behavior or bad habits.


Brown and white dog surrounded by fluffs of cotton after chewing up a stuffed animal.