Is It Really Legal To Spank Your Dog In Idaho?

It's legal to hit your kid & your dog in Idaho  

Bizarre, isn't it? How is one legal but not the other? Personally, I choose to not use what I call "angry hands" on our two kids and two dogs. But Idaho law is what it is.

Dogs don't raise themselves.

Like raising babies, training a dog is more difficult and more involved than it appears to folks who've never done it. Potty training, shaping, and reinforcing a puppy's behaviors and mentality is a full-time job the moment you bring them home. Really, the same is true of any dog you adopt.

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Rescues, pound pups, strays, old-timers—bringing a dog into the folds of your home and family is more complicated than teaching them new tricks or hollow commands. Yet time and again, I see new dog owners who don't seem to know a thing about raising man's best friend.

They're winging it unaware of how much their own poor and inconsistent behavior complicates the process and misguides their dog.

You don't teach dogs with pain & fear. 

When used correctly and methodically, electric behavior collars actually serve a meaningful purpose. Sadly, however, I see plenty of ignorant first-time dog owners misusing the technology all over Boise.

The zap-happy owners seem to think frying a dog until his or her flesh is burning will teach them restraint, when in reality all it does is reinforce fear, distrust, and anxiety. Yanking on a dog's leash like a psycho and spanking them with reckless abandon are no better.

In 2024, it's legal for an Idaho dog owner to hit their dog as long as there's no sign of bruising or obvious physical abuse. Still, I'll never stop promoting the idea that a dog owner who commits to training their dog never feels the need to strike their dog.

If you're struggling to train your dog and you can't afford professional dog training, YouTube it, Google it, or, here's a thought: call the Idaho Humane Society for tips and free resources.

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