How to Discipline Your Dog Co-authored by David Levin
Last Updated: June 23, 2025 References
Establishing the Rules
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Correcting Problem Behavior
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Preventing Discipline Problems
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Expert Q&A
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This article was co-authored by David Levin. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 23,585 times.
Discipline is necessary for your dog to stay well-behaved, and to feel safe and secure in your care. Establish house rules as soon as you bring your dog home, assert your leadership, and be consistent, particularly about your dog's feeding schedule. Opt to correct your dog's bad behavior rather than punish it, which will be ineffective after the fact. Use positive and negative reinforcement, time outs, and preventative measures (e.g. crate training) to discipline your dog. Avoid using violence and keep your emotions in check so that you can properly correct your dog's behavior.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Establishing the Rules
1 Let your dog know the rules early. It is important to let your dog know exactly how things work in your home from its very first day there. Be gentle but firm and consistent in letting it know what will and won't be allowed.[1]X Expert Source David LevinProfessional Dog Walker & TrainerExpert Interview For instance, if your house rule is that your dog will not be allowed under the supper table during meals, firmly say “no” and gently guide it away by the collar each time it breaks this rule.[2]XResearch source
2 Display house rules. It is important to make sure that you and your family members are all consistent about enforcing the house rules for your dog. To avoid wavering, or giving your dog mixed signals, write out a list of pet-related house rules and hang it somewhere that all of your family members can read it. Make sure that all members of your family are also consistent in how they reinforce the rules when your dog doesn't follow them (e.g. saying “no” and leading your dog off of the couch if it is not allowed to sit on it). [3]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Advertisement
3 Assert your leadership. It is important to establish yourself in a leadership position over your dog before any kind of training can begin. Failure to let your dog know who is boss can result in unfavorable behaviors like excessive barking, ignoring known commands, and possessiveness of toys and food. To assert your leadership without using physical force, you should:[4]XResearch source
Eat before feeding your dog
Set the pace and direction when you take it for walks[5]X Expert Source David LevinProfessional Dog Walker & TrainerExpert Interview
Avoid giving “free” treats and toys (have your dog earn them by obeying commands first)
Enter doorways and staircases before your dog (instead of yielding to your dog first)
Assume higher ground (your sitting and sleeping spaces should be higher than your dogs')
4 Serve controlled meals. For both discipline and health reasons, dogs should be fed the same amount of food every day, and at the same times. Demonstrate your leadership over the dog by asking it to sit before placing its food bowl in front of it. If the dog does not stay seated, say “no” and keep a hold of the food bowl until your dog obeys. To show your dog that it must be calm and well-behaved to eat, reinforce this rule every mealtime.[6]XResearch source
Make sure that your dog finishes its food during mealtime. If your dog does not finish its food, clear it away until the next mealtime.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Correcting Problem Behavior
1 Monitor your dog's behavior closely. Punishing your dog's bad behavior is pointless after the fact, when it will no longer associate its punishment with the action you're reprimanding. Stop your dog in the act of doing something that is not allowed, or right before it is about to do it.[7]X Expert Source David LevinProfessional Dog Walker & TrainerExpert Interview Correcting your dog in the moment will allow it to make the association, although it may take multiple occasions for the rule to set in.[8]XResearch source
For example, stop your dog while it is chewing your shoe, or as it is about to put the shoe in its mouth, by firmly saying “no” and taking the shoe away.
2 Offer an alternative behavior. When you correct a negative behavior, offer your dog an alternative, positive action to take instead.[9]X Expert Source David LevinProfessional Dog Walker & TrainerExpert Interview This adjustment will allow you to correct problem behavior in a positive way and encourage different, more favorable behavior. For instance, if your dog is chewing on one of your child's favorite toys, offer it a chew toy of its own instead.[10]XResearch source
3 Use positive reinforcement. Positive behavior should be strongly rewarded to create positive associations that your dog will seek out in the future. Reward your dog's good behavior with praise, petting, treats, and its favorite toys. Positive reinforcement trainers sometimes use clickers, which create a distinct sound when their dog does something good, which is immediately accompanied with a reward.[11]XResearch source
4 Use negative reinforcement. Bad behavior should be met with a negative response – more specifically, a dog should lose out on something it enjoys when it disobeys you. Negative behavior should be met with a clear “no” and the withholding of anticipated rewards. For instance, if you ask your dog to sit and it jumps all over you, do not give it the treat that you would normally give it for cooperating.[12]XResearch source
5 Avoid any violence. Physical punishment should never be used to reprimand a dog as it can create fear and aggression in your pet, compromise your dog's trust in you and damage your bond with it. Over time, this fear could cause your dog to react defensively and demonstrate even more unpredictable behavior. Be patient and allow time for correction and positive reinforcement to be effective.
For instance, instead of smacking your dog with a rolled up newspaper if it chews one of your shoes, say "no" firmly and withhold praise and treats.
6 Give your dog a time out. If your dog is hyperactive, harassing another pet, or ignoring your commands, give it a time out. The purpose of a time out is to use social isolation as a negative reinforcement for bad behavior, a method that is especially effective for social animals like dogs. The time out should happen in a boring place that won't be entertaining for your dog (e.g. the laundry room) and it should be very brief, so that your dog remembers what it is being deprived of and doesn't adapt to its new surroundings. [13]XResearch source
A time out should be no longer than 60 seconds. The process may have to occur several times before the dog understands that its time is as a result of a specific behavior.
7 Control your emotions. When disciplining your dog, it is important to keep your emotions in check, and to be calm and clear. Dogs are very responsive to human emotions, so strong emotions can cause stress, hyperactivity, and unease in an already tense moment.[14]X Expert Source David LevinProfessional Dog Walker & TrainerExpert Interview Always speak calmly but assertively when correcting your pet's behavior, and avoid getting angry.[15]XResearch source
If you are feeling overwhelmed or upset with your dog, avoid punishing it, or have another member of your family handle the situation. It is better not to punish your dog than to respond too harshly and lose your dog's trust.
8 Seek help from a professional. If all else fails, the most effective way to deal with your dog's discipline problem is to consult a professional about the issue. Veterinarians can assess whether or not there are underlying physical causes for your dog's negative behavior. If not, your vet can recommend a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) who can help to train your dog and improve its overall obedience.[16]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Preventing Discipline Problems
1 Crate train your dog. Crate training is a measure to control your dog's behavior, to keep it out of trouble during periods of change, and to offer it a safe place to retreat and relax. The actual training should only take place as long as your pet's behavior is too unruly for it to be trusted home alone, with guests, or overnight. Introduce the crate to your dog slowly, and be gradual about locking your dog in there and leaving it alone in the crate. Reward it for spending time in there, and maintain positive associations with it throughout training as well as afterwards, when the crate can be kept as a “den” for your dog.
2 Keep your dog healthy. Behavioral problems in dogs are sometimes a reflection of an underlying health issue. If your dog acts out and doesn't respond to corrective measures, take it to a vet to rule out any serious issues. Conditions such as arthritis, liver disease, mange, worm infestations, and constipation can all cause behavioral changes in dogs.
Food allergies are also common in dogs and can cause irregular behavior. Try shifting your dog's diet from commercial dog food to all natural food if you see other symptoms of an allergy (such as skin irritation, loss of appetite, weight loss, or digestive upset).
3 Anticipate possible problems. Dogs do not premeditate their actions, they live in the moment. Do your best to minimize the amount of trouble that your dog can get into by reducing negative temptations and opportunities for accidents in its environment. For instance, consider:
Storing shoes in a closet or on a tall shoe rack to remove the temptation to chew them
Keeping food properly sealed and stored away where your dog can't reach it
Giving your dog its own chew toys to keep it occupied
Allowing your dog ample exercise during the day to prevent restlessness
Giving your dog regular opportunities to relieve itself to prevent accidents
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Expert Q&A
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Question How should I scold my dog if it does something bad? David Levin Professional Dog Trainer David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. David Levin Professional Dog Trainer Expert Answer Try to scold them immediately after they do something bad so they're able to associate punishment with the action. Simply tell them no in a firm voice and try to correct their behavior. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 10
Question Is there ever a time when physical violence should be used? Community Answer No. There is never a time when physical violence should be used. Showing aggression toward the dog could cause the same response to you, and also harm the dog. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 19
Question Our puppy is 3.5 months old. We are a first time owners. We have been smacking him on the nose when he is being naughty, do you think we somehow damaged him already? How do we fix the damage? Community Answer To be honest, smacking the dog on the nose is not really a good way to discipline. However, there are alternatives, such as holding your hand over the dog's nose and smacking your hand rather than their snout or using a squirt gun filled with cold water, even rattling a can filled with coins. As for worrying about permanent damage, I would cease all smacking. I recommend puppy training classes. They'll be really beneficial for both you and the dog. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 15
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References
↑ David Levin. Professional Dog Walker & Trainer. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: David Levin Professional Dog Trainer This article was co-authored by David Levin. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed 23,585 times. 13 votes - 93% Co-authors: 12Updated: June 23, 2025 Views: 23,585Article SummaryX
If you need to discipline your dog, correct it while it’s in the act of doing something that isn’t allowed, or right before. Try to offer it something that is allowed, instead. For example, if the dog is chewing on a shoe, say “No” firmly, then take away the shoe and offer the dog a chew toy instead. Never hit or shout at your dog, which can cause it to be afraid and act defensively. Instead, reward the dog’s good behaviors with a lot of praise so it will seek out good behaviors rather than bad. For tips from our veterinary reviewer on setting up the rules for your dog, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Oct 21, 2017
"Reminded me about the danger of showing my emotions when my dog does something I don't like."
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"Reminded me about the danger of showing my emotions when my dog does something I don't like."
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Co-authored by: David Levin Professional Dog Trainer This article was co-authored by David Levin. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed 23,585 times. 13 votes - 93% Co-authors: 12 Updated: June 23, 2025 Views: 23,585 Article SummaryX
Dogs Cats Rabbits & Furry Friends Fish Birds Other Pets Horses 
410 
1 Let your dog know the rules early. It is important to let your dog know exactly how things work in your home from its very first day there. Be gentle but firm and consistent in letting it know what will and won't be allowed.[1] For instance, if your house rule is that your dog will not be allowed under the supper table during meals, firmly say “no” and gently guide it away by the collar each time it breaks this rule.[2] 
2 Display house rules. It is important to make sure that you and your family members are all consistent about enforcing the house rules for your dog. To avoid wavering, or giving your dog mixed signals, write out a list of pet-related house rules and hang it somewhere that all of your family members can read it. Make sure that all members of your family are also consistent in how they reinforce the rules when your dog doesn't follow them (e.g. saying “no” and leading your dog off of the couch if it is not allowed to sit on it). [3] Advertisement 
3 Assert your leadership. It is important to establish yourself in a leadership position over your dog before any kind of training can begin. Failure to let your dog know who is boss can result in unfavorable behaviors like excessive barking, ignoring known commands, and possessiveness of toys and food. To assert your leadership without using physical force, you should:[4] 
4 Serve controlled meals. For both discipline and health reasons, dogs should be fed the same amount of food every day, and at the same times. Demonstrate your leadership over the dog by asking it to sit before placing its food bowl in front of it. If the dog does not stay seated, say “no” and keep a hold of the food bowl until your dog obeys. To show your dog that it must be calm and well-behaved to eat, reinforce this rule every mealtime.[6] 
1 Monitor your dog's behavior closely. Punishing your dog's bad behavior is pointless after the fact, when it will no longer associate its punishment with the action you're reprimanding. Stop your dog in the act of doing something that is not allowed, or right before it is about to do it.[7] Correcting your dog in the moment will allow it to make the association, although it may take multiple occasions for the rule to set in.[8] 
2 Offer an alternative behavior. When you correct a negative behavior, offer your dog an alternative, positive action to take instead.[9] This adjustment will allow you to correct problem behavior in a positive way and encourage different, more favorable behavior. For instance, if your dog is chewing on one of your child's favorite toys, offer it a chew toy of its own instead.[10] 
3 Use positive reinforcement. Positive behavior should be strongly rewarded to create positive associations that your dog will seek out in the future. Reward your dog's good behavior with praise, petting, treats, and its favorite toys. Positive reinforcement trainers sometimes use clickers, which create a distinct sound when their dog does something good, which is immediately accompanied with a reward.[11] 
4 Use negative reinforcement. Bad behavior should be met with a negative response – more specifically, a dog should lose out on something it enjoys when it disobeys you. Negative behavior should be met with a clear “no” and the withholding of anticipated rewards. For instance, if you ask your dog to sit and it jumps all over you, do not give it the treat that you would normally give it for cooperating.[12] 
5 Avoid any violence. Physical punishment should never be used to reprimand a dog as it can create fear and aggression in your pet, compromise your dog's trust in you and damage your bond with it. Over time, this fear could cause your dog to react defensively and demonstrate even more unpredictable behavior. Be patient and allow time for correction and positive reinforcement to be effective. 
6 Give your dog a time out. If your dog is hyperactive, harassing another pet, or ignoring your commands, give it a time out. The purpose of a time out is to use social isolation as a negative reinforcement for bad behavior, a method that is especially effective for social animals like dogs. The time out should happen in a boring place that won't be entertaining for your dog (e.g. the laundry room) and it should be very brief, so that your dog remembers what it is being deprived of and doesn't adapt to its new surroundings. [13] 
7 Control your emotions. When disciplining your dog, it is important to keep your emotions in check, and to be calm and clear. Dogs are very responsive to human emotions, so strong emotions can cause stress, hyperactivity, and unease in an already tense moment.[14] Always speak calmly but assertively when correcting your pet's behavior, and avoid getting angry.[15] 
8 Seek help from a professional. If all else fails, the most effective way to deal with your dog's discipline problem is to consult a professional about the issue. Veterinarians can assess whether or not there are underlying physical causes for your dog's negative behavior. If not, your vet can recommend a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) who can help to train your dog and improve its overall obedience.[16] Advertisement 
1 Crate train your dog. Crate training is a measure to control your dog's behavior, to keep it out of trouble during periods of change, and to offer it a safe place to retreat and relax. The actual training should only take place as long as your pet's behavior is too unruly for it to be trusted home alone, with guests, or overnight. Introduce the crate to your dog slowly, and be gradual about locking your dog in there and leaving it alone in the crate. Reward it for spending time in there, and maintain positive associations with it throughout training as well as afterwards, when the crate can be kept as a “den” for your dog. 
2 Keep your dog healthy. Behavioral problems in dogs are sometimes a reflection of an underlying health issue. If your dog acts out and doesn't respond to corrective measures, take it to a vet to rule out any serious issues. Conditions such as arthritis, liver disease, mange, worm infestations, and constipation can all cause behavioral changes in dogs. 
3 Anticipate possible problems. Dogs do not premeditate their actions, they live in the moment. Do your best to minimize the amount of trouble that your dog can get into by reducing negative temptations and opportunities for accidents in its environment. For instance, consider: 
David Levin Professional Dog Trainer David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. 
Community Answer No. There is never a time when physical violence should be used. Showing aggression toward the dog could cause the same response to you, and also harm the dog. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 19 