The Pitfalls of Punishment: How Not to Fail Miserably
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—spells out why many owners (and even trainers) fail when trying to stop problem behaviors. She covers the correct sequence—mark with “No” and then deliver a meaningful consequence—the biggest mistakes that sabotage results (simultaneous “no”+correction, not following through, weak corrections), and why consistency matters more than timing perfection.
Episode Highlights
- Sequence matters: Say “No” first, then correct. Dogs learn associations sequentially, not simultaneously.
- Follow through even if the dog stops: If you said “No”, a consequence must follow; otherwise you teach a loophole.
- Consistency beats timing: A short delay is fine—what cements learning is always pairing “No” → consequence.
- Make it meaningful: Use a safe but highly aversive correction (e-collar, firm prong pop, or properly thrown bonker). Don’t desensitize with weak/variable corrections.
- Teach “No” in calm moments: Introduce the meaning of “No” outside of chaos so it works when arousal spikes.
- Commands don’t erase misbehavior: Don’t try to command your way out of jumping, counter surfing, or trash-raiding—stop the behavior directly.
- Tools with purpose: Noise-makers/spray bottles rarely stick; choose tools that produce durable change without harm.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:29 – Who we are: Diamond K9 (Biddeford, ME); off-leash obedience & behavior modification.
- 01:19 – Why punishment is hard to learn online; misinformation and image-policing in the industry.
- 03:10 – Mission: share the details owners can’t find elsewhere; today’s focus is pitfalls.
- 05:16 – Core recipe: mark with “No” as the behavior starts/is about to start, then correct.
- 06:18 – Example sequence for jumping (ears up → approach → launch).
- 07:29 – Many “simple” behaviors can end in a day when done correctly.
- 08:32 – Rewards build skills; punishment stops rehearsed, natural behaviors.
- 10:18 – Dogs do what’s natural (not “eager to please”); set patterns that trump instincts.
- 11:21 – Tools: e-collar, bonker (rolled towel), prong + leash pop; safe but impactful.
- 12:04 – Why spray/noise often fails to stick.
- 13:05 – Pitfall #1: Correcting while saying “No.” Always separate them: “No,” then correction.
- 14:07 – Pitfall #2: Skipping the correction if the dog pauses after “No.” Follow through anyway.
- 16:31 – Consistency over speed; avoid “variable consequences.”
- 17:39 – Delays are okay; repetition clarifies the pattern for the dog.
- 19:14 – Even if you fetch the tool from another room, still deliver the consequence.
- 21:32 – Teach the meaning of “No” during calm times; count 2–3 seconds, then correct.
- 22:41 – Why a solid “No” can be lifesaving (e.g., road darting, dropped meds).
- 24:51 – Pitfall #3: Corrections aren’t meaningful enough → desensitization and nagging.
- 26:42 – Case: puppy turns bonker into a game because bonks were too soft.
- 27:50 – Aim for lifelong aversion to the behavior, not momentary compliance.
- 32:44 – Client example: counter-surfing “fixed” with vibrate after “get down” (why it fails).
- 34:22 – Behavior → result analysis; commands don’t teach “don’t do it again.”
- 36:10 – Tie the consequence to the act, not just disobedience after a command.
- 37:03 – Don’t rely on “off/down” for jumping; stop the act directly.
- 38:24 – Wrap-up: stop the pitfalls and corrections will work quickly—and last.