Glossary

Negative punishment

Removing something a dog wants right after an unwanted behavior so that the behavior becomes less likely.

Also called: R- removal, taking away rewards, time-out, negative P

In the four-part model of operant conditioning, "negative" means something is taken away and "punishment" means the behavior becomes less frequent. A common example is a dog that jumps up while greeting: the owner turns away and removes attention, so jumping stops being rewarded.

Because it takes away a reward rather than adding something unpleasant, it is generally regarded as milder than positive punishment. It still needs care. The removal must be brief, immediate and clear to the dog, and it works best when the dog is also taught an alternative behavior, such as sitting, that earns attention.

It is not the same as isolating a dog for long periods or withholding meals, and a dog that is frustrated or confused may become more agitated instead of learning.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Positive reinforcement Adding something a dog likes right after a behavior so that the behavior becomes more likely to happen again. Positive punishment Adding something unpleasant right after a behavior to make that behavior less likely, such as a leash jerk or a startling noise. Operant conditioning Learning in which a dog changes its behavior because of the consequences that follow it. Aversive Anything a dog wants to avoid, from a leash pop or shock to a loud noise, when used to change behavior.