TEACH YOUR DOG NOT TO RUN IN THE STREET!

In post graduate school, I took a course in behavior modification.

My instructor stressed that. one should use rewards to shape behavior and avoid using punishment, UNLESS a behavior might be life threatening.

Do you think that the behavior of a child or dog running in the street could be life threatening?

============Check answer below ============

Most would agree that this undesirable behavior couldl result in the death of a child or dog.

Ideally you want your dog on a leash and under your control or in a properly fenced yard. But sometimes dog's escape, like the dog pictured above. Notice that the dog is behaving well and NOT running in the street.

A quick and effective way to teach your dog never to run into the street is to pour a bucket of ice water on the dog's head and scream "No!" as it starts to enter the street.

This will not harm your dog, but it will startle your furry friend. After pouring the water and screaming "No!" You can praise and pet your dog for not entering the street. 

Some argue that this method may lead to anxiety or fear-based behaviors in the long run. But in my experience, this does not happen and the method can save your dog's life!

If your human child were to run in the street, would you punish your child or just rely on positive reinforcement?