Using harsh punishment to train a puppy or dog can stop some unwanted behaviors but can create new problems. Physical punishments such as hitting, jerking on the leash, choke collars, pinch collars and shock collars are still used by many people who do not understand the negative affect these techniques can have on the relationship with their dog.

When housetraining a young puppy, an owner may catch the puppy in the act of peeing in the house. Their timing for punishment is correct, but if their punishment is too harsh, the puppy might associate the act of peeing in front of people with the owner's harsh treatment, not merely the location where he was urinating.

Many puppies develop a fear of going potty in front of people so they make sure no one is around when they urinate. Even when outside the owner has a hard time rewarding the puppy for urinating in the correct spot because the puppy does not want to go in front of them, fearing that something bad will happen to them.

When you catch a puppy going potty in the wrong area, a simple interruption with a clap of your hands or "ah-ah" is all that is needed to correct the pup. Then quickly take him outside where you can reward him for going potty outside.

When teaching a puppy or dog to walk well on a leash many people still reach for a choker chain or pinch collar and begin jerking on the leash as the dog is walking. Many times the dogs do begin to walk better on leash. But often the consequence is that the dog becomes aggressive to other dogs or people when out for a walk.

In the beginning when they would pull ahead to go visit another dog or person, they received a painful jerk. The dog has learned that something bad happens when they try to visit others; when they stay near their person they are safe. They associate the painful jerk with the dog or person that they wanted to visit and they now want all others to stay away from them so that nothing bad happens to them. The dog walks well on a leash, but now growls at approaching people or dogs.

Shock collars are sold as a quick fix for behavior problems, but they can cause bigger problems in the long run.

First of all, the timing of the shock has to be impeccable. Pushing the button a little too soon, or a little too late can confuse the dog and make him fearful in general.

I have worked with more than one dog who's owner used a shock collar to stop their dog from jumping on visitors. The dogs no longer jump on people, but they began growling and barking at visitors to the home. The dogs have learned that when new people come into the house, bad things happen to them.

When painful punishment is used to train a dog, there are always consequences. Often that manifests itself in the dog becoming fearful or aggressive.

In the cases of the jumping dogs, the dogs did not understand why they were being shocked. What they knew was, when someone comes into the house they feel pain. They became fearful of new people arriving and that fear shows through in the growling. Hopefully, with some positive reinforcement and behavior modification, these dogs can overcome their fears and once again, be safe pets to have.

Supporters of painful training products such as shock collars and pinch collars will lead you to believe that these devices will solve your problems, but they don't even hint at the fact that use of these gadgets may cause an even bigger problem; aggression. Most people who use these don't understand the consequences of punishment. They only see that the immediate problem of jumping or leash pulling is gone.

Working with dogs is not all that different than working with children. We have learned that children learn best in a positive environment, not one that uses corporal punishment. Dogs are the same way, they respond best to positive reinforcement not physical punishment. You would never strap a shock collar on a child, why do it to a dog?

Tip of the week: Before using any training device on your dog, look at things from your dog's point of view. If you wouldn't do that to a child, don't do it to your dog. Bark questions to: Canine Companion, 11652 North - 825 West, Huntington, IN 46750 or email 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.