This page is a component of the Glossary of the Dog Science, CBC
Dog Training Workshop, and an element of the Dog Science Network
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Primary Punishers, also known as Intrinsic or Innate Punishers
Primary punishers serve to decrease the rate of the target response, just like any other type of punisher. However, primary punishers are distinct in that they always have something to do with the frustration or the thwarting of some physical need or deeply rooted genetic imperative. In other words, primary punishers always have to do with pain, physical discomfort, or the distressing physiological disruption that accompanies emotional upset.
Primary punishers are effective from the first application, without any learning first haven taken place.
When it comes to changing behavior, primary punishers are by far more effective than are secondary punishers, which must be learned before they can begin to have an effect.
This website recommends three primary punishers:
Any time you decrease one of your dog's problematic responses using any of those three procedures, you are using primary punishment.