stop telling your dog what not to do

As a positive dog trainer, I obviously support positive reinforcement and what it means to use it in training. Although it isn't said often, I think the main principle of positive training-whether we come to terms with it or not-is to teach your dog what to do opposed to what not to do.

Suppose you get a high-energy puppy was tears around the house chewing and running around with anything he can get his teeth on. Your first insctinct might be to rip the object from his mouth and scold him. That doesn't do anything. That shows your dog you're capable of yelling at him in a scary way. Puppies need to teethe. They don't know if something marketed towards them. They can't ignore their natural need to chew. Does taking away one thing for them to chew mean they won't pick up something else?

That's showing your dog what not to do. Here's showing your dog what to do: showing them a bone or other chew toy and making it favorable for your pup. When they take their toy, you tell them they're a good boy and now they learn they get praise and the allowance to chew when they chew what you show them to. Redirection is everything in positive training.

Suppose your dog is barking at the door and you yell "stop" to them repeatedly from the other room. First of all, your dog does not know English. Unless from association he's learned the word, I wouldn't count on him knowing what it means. Also, does that give direction to your dog? No! Instead, go to the door and get your dog's attention. Give him praise and rewards when he's quiet and focused on you instead.

Please, stop telling your dog what not to do. Find a more appropriate outlet for his energy and needs instead. Your dog isn't a dictionary and looks to you for guidance. Be kind and patient with your dog to show them what to do to be a proper member of the family.