Hamsters were trained to avoid shock by leaving a startbox and traversing a straight alley. During the first extinction phase (Phase I), one group was given 20 regular extinction (RE) trials, while a second group was given shock punishment (PE) in the center of the alley. During the last 30 extinction trials (Phase II), conditions were reversed for the groups. Unlike earlier research with other species, punishment typically suppressed running, especially in the prepunishment area. However, a temporary punishment induced facilitation of alley speed was found.