When training a puppy, it’s important to correct unwanted behaviours as soon as they happen, but one dog trainer argues that the most common reaction isn’t the best method to stop a bad behaviour
Dog owners are urged to avoid telling off their puppies as a dog trainer has shared a ‘better’ method to get them to stop doing naughty things.
Much like toddlers, puppies are inquisitive little explorers eager to investigate their surroundings whilst pushing boundaries with their owners. Whilst it’s fairly typical to discover pups gnawing on footwear, pinching clothes, or having accidents indoors, it’s crucial to address these behaviours promptly to stop them becoming habits. Many people’s instinct would be to yell ‘no’ at their pooch when caught being mischievous, but one dog expert has now disclosed that this approach isn’t actually the most effective method for curbing puppies’ antics, despite potentially stopping it momentarily.
Kim Paciotti, a puppy training expert from the Empowered Puppy Program, has outlined why owners should reconsider before scolding their puppy with ‘no’ when they’re misbehaving.
Speaking to her Instagram audience of more than 314,000 followers, Kim shared the most effective technique for stopping your dog’s unwanted behaviour and encouraging a preferable action instead.
Kim contended that rather than using ‘no’ to stop poor behaviour, puppies actually develop quicker when shown what they should be doing as an alternative.
“Here’s what most people don’t understand about saying ‘NO’ to puppies: it creates what trainers call ‘learned helplessness’,” she explained in her post’s caption. She highlighted that repeatedly instructing a puppy on what not to do, whilst failing to demonstrate acceptable alternatives, causes them to lose motivation.
Whilst saying no may temporarily halt unwanted behaviour, without proper guidance on appropriate actions, the puppy will likely repeat the same mistake.
Take, for instance, discovering your puppy chewing on your footwear. While shouting no might provide a brief pause, they’ll quickly work out they can continue the behaviour when you’re not around, as they haven’t been taught what’s acceptable.
A better approach involves using a composed voice to interrupt the behaviour without instilling fear. Follow this by immediately redirecting their attention towards something suitable, like a proper chew toy, then offer praise when they engage with it.
“Puppies NEED to try things, make mistakes, and learn from them. When every mistake is met with punishment instead of redirection, you’re not building a confident decision-maker you’re building a fearful one,” Kim explained.
Studies have demonstrated that punishment-focused training methods, including verbal reprimands, prove less successful in puppy training than teaching replacement behaviours. Whilst thinking of alternatives on the spot can prove challenging, Kim proceeded to outline practical options for the most frequent behavioural errors puppies typically display.
Instead of allowing them to jump on people, you can train them to sit when greeting others. If they have a habit of barking at the door, instruct them to go to their bed when the doorbell rings.
If they’re tugging on the lead during walks, simply reward them when they’re walking beside you.
Kim concluded by advising that you should consider the behaviour you’d prefer your dog to exhibit, and then teach and reward that behaviour, rather than concentrating on discouraging unwanted actions.
“Your job: Make the right choice obvious and rewarding,” she stated.