Which welfare concern is associated with positive punishment?

Which welfare concern is associated with positive punishment?

• A. Increased sociability
• B. Increased stress
• C. Pain
• D. Improved trust

Answer: (B)

When you use positive punishment, you add an aversive stimulus after a behavior to reduce its future occurrence. The welfare concern most consistently linked to this approach is increased stress. The dog learns to associate the aversive event with the situation, cue, or handler, which elevates arousal and fear. This can show up as panting, pacing, trembling, avoidance, or vigilance, and these stress responses can persist beyond the immediate moment, potentially harming the dog’s overall well-being and trust in the handler. Pain can be a possible consequence if the aversive stimulus is harsh, but the broader welfare issue is the rise in stress and fear that often accompanies positive punishment. Increased sociability or improved trust would not be expected outcomes of administering punishment.

When you use positive punishment, you add an aversive stimulus after a behavior to reduce its future occurrence. The welfare concern most consistently linked to this approach is increased stress. The dog learns to associate the aversive event with the situation, cue, or handler, which elevates arousal and fear. This can show up as panting, pacing, trembling, avoidance, or vigilance, and these stress responses can persist beyond the immediate moment, potentially harming the dog’s overall well-being and trust in the handler.

Pain can be a possible consequence if the aversive stimulus is harsh, but the broader welfare issue is the rise in stress and fear that often accompanies positive punishment. Increased sociability or improved trust would not be expected outcomes of administering punishment.