What do you do when your dog does something you don’t like? A lot of people yell out “No!” in a firm voice, and if their canine child doesn’t listen the first time, they might say it again, only louder and for a longer period of time. “NOOOO!”.
Do you really believe your dog didn’t hear you the first time you called to him? Dogs have excellent hearing. In fact, compared to humans, dogs are able to hear sounds about 4 times better. No amount of shouting the same command will get your dog to pay attention. Instead, it will only lead to your dog’s stress and confusion. Because ultimately, it’s possible that your dog won’t comprehend what the word “no” really means.
It’s important to keep in mind that your dog is only doing what comes naturally to him when he barks excessively, jumps up on visitors, chews up your shoes, or digs holes in your immaculately kept yards. He doesn’t know he’s doing something “wrong. You need to teach your dog what you want him to do in order to change his undesirable behavior.
Instead of telling your dog “no” and concentrating on the behavior you don’t want them to engage in, shift your attention to what you do want them to do. Then, clearly redirect and teach good behavior. Here are a few examples:
It takes time to train your dog to do what you want. Allow your dog and you 15 minutes each day to interact. With practice, this training technique will improve communication between you and your adorable dog!
The Bottom Line
It is unfair to use the word “no” if dogs don’t understand exactly what it means. If it is necessary, it should only be used to re-direct the dog to performing a replacement behavior. If said in a neutral manner and the word hasn’t acquired too many negative connotations in the past, this might be an option. There are many wonderful things dog owners can do to strengthen their bond with their canine companions. At least until the dog has had the opportunity to be trained, management is a great tool to use. It’s crucial to give children constructive outlets for their natural behaviors through kind, innocent pastimes (puzzles, interactive toys, designated digging areas). Because replacement behaviors have a strong history of reinforcement, they can help your dog fill the void and make wise decisions. A win-win!.
By Zak George, “Using the Word “No” in a More Positive Manner”
When you bring a puppy into the house, it is essential that you teach him the house rules, including what he can and cannot do. Of all the words your dog needs to learn, none is as important to his safety and your sanity as the word “No!” Since he is still a child, you must teach him the rules before he can follow them. One of the first instructions you should teach your dog is this.
Your dog will eventually come to associate being told no with the noise that startles him. This is called negative action reinforcement. In other words, he connects the rattle to saying “no” and engaging in behavior that he shouldn’t.
Additionally, the typical dog tends to pick up on this command as he goes along. Think of it this way: if you tell your dog “No” enough times, he will eventually learn it on his own. But if you’re like most dog owners, you need him to pick up this specific command as soon as possible.
To get your dog to obey this command, though, you shouldn’t have to yell at him. You must work with him until he happily obeys this command in a manner similar to how he obeys all other commands. Although this is a simple command, it will take some time for your puppy to learn it and you will use it with him for the rest of his life.
Run out and buy some of your dog’s favorite treats if you don’t already have any on hand; you’re going to need them. You will also require a rattle of some kind, such as a soda can filled with pebbles.
You May Be Failing to Meet Your Dog’s Needs
If you discover yourself reprimanding your dog or employing other techniques to curtail undesirable behavior, pay attention. Consider checking to see if your dog is receiving enough attention, training, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Puppies frequently cause trouble because they are overly energetic and have a strong urge to explore. Because they explore the world in this way and are also teething, they want to mouth and chew everything.
Many dogs, especially working dog breeds, have exercise needs and require training, play, attention, and mental stimulation to thrive. Maybe you work an eight-hour shift, and when you get home your dog is acting up. Despite your repeated “no” commands, his inappropriate behavior persists. By satisfying a natural need, this persistent misbehavior has been reinforced either internally or externally by the environment.
Your dog might be misbehaving just to grab your attention. Your dog is eager to see you after spending a lot of time alone. Imagine how he feels when you arrive home, make dinner, and then settle on the couch to watch TV when he has been waiting for you all day. Your dog starts chewing on the remote or grabbing your shoes to get your attention away from the TV because he knows that he needs attention too. “No!” you say. “Bingo!” says your dog. Your dog persuaded you to look at and converse with him. Yup, thats interaction!.
The moral of the story is that for socially isolated dogs, any attention is preferable to none at all. Consider whether you are meeting your dog’s needs and whether he is receiving enough attention the next time he misbehaves.
FAQ
Should you tell a dog no?
Most training is successful when it ignores negative responses and rewards positive behavior. Essentially, your dog wants your approval. Therefore, quicker progress can be made by teaching your dog a “no” signal, one that instructs him to stop whatever he is doing whenever he hears it, rather than yelling or constantly saying “No.”
Does shouting no at a dog work?
Yelling at your dog won’t get the job done because it will only make him more agitated or increase how excited he is about the situation. Instead, your Bark Busters dog trainer can show you how to refocus your dog and teach the desired behavior by using a calm but firm voice.
How do you get a dog to understand no?
Bring your dog over so he can see the treat you’re holding. As you close your hand, say “No!”. Do not give him the treat; instead, let him lick and sniff it. Give him the treat and praise him when he finally backs off.
Do dogs realize we aren’t dogs?
Dogs and humans have different smells, appearances, and behaviors, so when your dog interacts with you, he is undoubtedly sensing that you are a human and not a dog. Again, though, just because your dog understands that you’re not a dog doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel a strong connection to you.