Most behaviour problems don’t start with “bad dogs.” They start with confusion.
If you’re searching for how to discipline a dog the positive way, the answer isn’t louder commands or stricter punishment. It’s about clear guidance, reward-based reinforcement and building trust so your dog feels safe enough to learn.
And when dogs feel safe, behaviour improves.
Let’s talk about what works and what quietly makes things worse.
Why Discipline a Dog the Positive Way?
Positive discipline means teaching instead of punishing.
It focuses on:
✔️ Rewarding good behaviour
✔️ Redirecting unwanted behaviour
✔️ Staying calm and consistent
✔️ Setting clear boundaries
It does not mean letting your dog “get away with it.”
Dogs don’t misbehave out of spite. Most unwanted behaviour comes from:
‼️ Overexcitement
‼️ Anxiety
‼️ Boredom
‼️ Lack of clarity
‼️ Inconsistent rules
When we respond with force or fear, we add confusion to the problem.
By using positive discipline methods, you ensure your dog feels safe, loved, and motivated to behave well. Ultimately, both you and your dog will be happier, creating a bond built on trust, not fear.
Why Does Punishment Make Dog Behaviour Worse?
Many people still believe tapping a dog on the nose or yelling “teaches respect.” It doesn’t.
A dog’s nose is extremely sensitive. Physical correction can cause discomfort, but more importantly, emotional uncertainty.
When fear enters the equation:
- Anxiety increases
- Learning decreases
- Trust weakens
- Behaviour can escalate
Especially for anxious dogs, punishment adds stress to an already heightened nervous system. And a stressed brain cannot absorb new information properly.
Dogs disciplined through fear often become:
- Reactive
- Shut down
- Hypervigilant
- More confused, not more obedient
Discipline should build security, not survival instincts.
What Is the Best Way to Discipline a Dog?
The best way to discipline a dog is through positive reinforcement, redirection and consistency.
Here’s how that looks in real life.
1. Reward the Behaviour You Want Repeated
Dogs repeat behaviours that bring good outcomes.
If your dog:
Sits instead of jumps
✔️ Chooses their toy over your shoes
✔️ Comes when called
✔️ Waits calmly
Reward it immediately.
Rewards can include:
✔️ Treats
✔️ Praise
✔️ Play
✔️ Physical affection
Timing matters. The reward must happen in the moment so your dog links the behaviour to the outcome.
This method builds confidence instead of fear.
For dogs that are easily overstimulated or nervous, supporting emotional balance alongside training can make learning smoother. Our CALM supplement and CALM + TURKEY functional treats are formulated with human-grade ingredients and naturally calming botanicals to support relaxed behaviour without synthetic medications. A calm dog learns faster.
Read more on PetWell's Best Functional Dog Treats for Health & Training
2. Redirect Instead of React
If your dog is chewing furniture, barking excessively, or jumping on guests, reacting emotionally can escalate the behaviour.
Redirection teaches clarity.
Examples:
- Chewing shoes → Offer a chew toy
- Jumping → Ask for a sit
- Barking at the window → Call them away and reward focus
Once they choose the appropriate behaviour, reinforce it.
This approach teaches what to do, not just what to avoid.
3. Why Is Consistency So Important?
Consistency builds emotional security.
If a behaviour is allowed sometimes but punished other times, your dog becomes confused and stressed.
Clear expectations create:
✔️ Predictability
✔️ Safety
✔️ Confidence
✔️ Better behaviour
Calm leadership and consistent boundaries are more powerful than loud corrections.
Here are 7 Practical Dog Training Techniques
What Should You Avoid When Disciplining a Dog?
❌ Yelling
Raised voices increase arousal and anxiety.
Instead: Use a calm, steady tone. Dogs respond better to clear, confident guidance.
❌ Punishing After the Fact
Dogs live in the present. Scolding hours later does not connect in their mind.
Instead: Correct or reward behaviour immediately.
❌ Physical Force
Physical punishment may stop behaviour temporarily, but it damages trust long-term and can worsen behavioural issues. And it’s cruel!
How Do You Discipline an Anxious Dog?
Anxious dogs need structure and emotional safety.
Focus on:
✔️ Predictable routines
✔️ Clear, calm communication
✔️ Reward-based reinforcement
✔️ Minimising overstimulation
If anxiety is contributing to behavioural challenges, supporting the nervous system can help improve focus and responsiveness during training. Emotional balance and behaviour go hand in hand.
Read more about What is Dog Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions
In Summary
Learning how to discipline a dog the positive way is about communication, not control.
When you guide with patience, reward the right behaviours, redirect calmly and stay consistent, your dog feels secure.
And secure dogs behave better.
Discipline should strengthen your bond, not weaken it.
If you’re supporting a sensitive or anxious dog, combining consistent positive training with emotional support can make the journey smoother.
FAQ's
What is the best way to discipline a dog?
The best way to discipline a dog is through positive reinforcement, redirection and consistent boundaries. Reward good behaviour and calmly guide unwanted actions.
Is it okay to hit a dog for discipline?
No. NEVER! Hitting increases fear and anxiety and can lead to aggression or long-term behavioural problems. It damages trust and prevents effective learning.
Does tapping a dog on the nose work?
No. A dog’s nose is highly sensitive. Tapping can cause discomfort and confusion rather than teach correct behaviour.
How long does positive reinforcement take to work?
Many dogs respond quickly when reinforcement is consistent. Long-term change depends on repetition, clarity and emotional stability.
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Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
