Peer-reviewed2008
Punishment tracked with more behaviour problems
Large owner survey finding more undesirable behaviors in dogs exposed to more punitive methods.
“Seventy-two percent of owners used some form of positive punishment.”
Source details
Source
The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs
Blackwell, Twells, Seawright & Casey
Journal of Veterinary Behavior
Evidence level
Primary evidence
Credibility
Last reviewed
May 30, 2026
Why we included it
Useful for rebutting claims that punishment is the straightforward route to fewer problems.
WelfareReactivityGeneral