Many people engage in heated debates about whether it’s okay to hit a dog when they make a mistake. In reality, dogs generally fall into two categories. One type is smart and quick to learn from their mistakes; a few scoldings and they’ll remember, like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers. The other type, however, is more stubborn and slow to learn from discipline, like Huskies, who tend to remember the treats but forget the punishment. So, when it comes to “disobedient” dogs, should we really hit them?
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Dog’s Head
You should never hit a dog on the head. Many owners, when frustrated, may impulsively strike their dog’s head. However, a dog’s head is very fragile. A strong blow or hitting vulnerable areas of the head can cause serious injuries, such as skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, or even a decline in intelligence. Consistently hitting a dog on the head not only causes fear but could also lead to concussions.
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Dog’s Nose
A dog’s nose is famously sensitive and plays a crucial role in gathering information. It’s a highly sensitive area, so striking a dog’s nose can cause severe discomfort, even pain, and may lead to aggressive behavior. Injuring a dog’s nose can have a significant impact on its life. With numerous capillaries in the nose, hitting it could cause nasal bleeding and even result in paralysis or depression from losing its sense of smell.
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Dog’s Mouth
The mouth is another sensitive area for dogs. It’s essential for eating and daily interactions with their owners. While light taps on the mouth during training are acceptable, it’s important never to strike with a “slap” motion. Such actions can trigger aggressive responses, especially from larger, more aggressive breeds. This type of punishment is counterproductive to training.
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Dog’s Ears
The ears are also off-limits when it comes to physical discipline. Dogs can easily control the shape and movement of their ears, which is vital for their communication. Many owners may grab their dog’s ears during a reprimand, thinking it’ll teach them a lesson, but this approach is ineffective. The ears are full of nerves, and hitting them can cause pain and damage to the ear’s nerves, affecting their hearing. In severe cases, it could even result in hearing loss. So no matter how angry you are, you should never harm a dog’s ears.
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Dog’s Belly
A dog’s belly is the softest part of its body, and it will only expose its vulnerable belly to people it trusts. Strangers may raise their guard immediately when their belly is touched. This area also houses many vital organs, and a strong impact or injury could be fatal. When a dog feels threatened, it instinctively lowers its belly to the ground to protect itself. Therefore, owners must be very careful not to kick or strike a dog’s belly, no matter how big the mistake.
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Dog’s Legs
Some people believe it’s okay to strike a dog’s legs, but this is also not advisable. A dog’s legs are delicate and frail, with thin skin covering the bones. A forceful blow can easily cause fractures or deformities, impairing the dog’s ability to walk and causing severe harm. If you injure your dog, you’ll not only have to spend time caring for them, but you’ll also incur medical costs. Instead of using punishment, training is the best way to reduce mistakes.
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Dog’s Tail
A dog’s tail is a crucial part of its body. It helps them express emotions and maintain balance. The tail is filled with nerves, making it highly sensitive and vulnerable. Even a small tug can cause the dog significant pain. Hitting the tail could cause muscle injuries, fractures, or, in severe cases, paralysis, which would prevent the dog from walking normally for the rest of its life.
