Tuesday Training Byte: Why telling your dog "no" doesn't work

When people get a puppy and the puppy starts misbehaving, the most common thing they tell their dog is "No!" Dogs do not understand the meaning of words and have to be taught what each word means, such as sit. What does "no" actually mean for your dog? If you notice, using no may temporarily interrupt the behavior, but then the unwanted behavior comes back. Dogs will do naughty behaviors as they seek our attention, so by interacting with them (touching, looking at them, talking to them, saying no) you have just given the dog attention and rewarded the bad behavior. Let's apply this to jumping up. My pup is getting close to 7 months old. When she was younger, she would jump up on me when I approached. I told her to sit and then gave her lots of pets and attention. When I would start to leave, she might try to jump up on me again. I would tell her "Off" and point away from me. Off means all four feet on the floor. I toss treats to her for staying off. Here is the key: I find that my dogs want to please me if I make it clear what it is I want them to do, rather than scolding them for what I don't want them to do, as that leaves them guessing and trying out bad behaviors again. Here are some commands I have taught my puppy so that I can praise her rather than shout "No!":

Leave it

Drop it

Sit

Off

Wait

I keep training sessions short and fun with lots of praise. The best way to get your dog to continue obeying your commands is to reward them for it. Positive reinforcement can come in the form of pets, praise, toys & play, and of course, treats. Even my senior dogs get a word of praise for doing what I ask. A simple, "Yes, good girl!" will work to keep her wanting to please.

Happy Training!

This boy has all four on the floor to receive petting and attention, rather than trying to climb in her lap.