11/07/2024
Couldn't have put it better myself. This is what we tell all our puppy people. Teach the behaviour you do want and reward it frequently so it is worth your puppy doing.
🗣️ One common frustration voiced by puppy parents is the repetitive cycle of saying "no" to their biting puppy, only to find the behavior persisting despite being told “NO!” a thousand times.
🤔 It's not surprising, considering that "no" is not a behavior itself. When your puppy jumps, bites your hands, scratches you, and you suddenly utter "NO," your puppy doesn’t understand what you want. Do you want them to stop biting, scratching, jumping, or tugging at your clothes?
No doesn’t tell your puppy what you want them to do.
🐶 Puppies don't comprehend English by default. Words hold no meaning for them unless we associate specific actions with those words through training. To them, it's merely sound.
🚫 "No" doesn't provide your puppy with clear guidance on what you desire. They might be just as puzzled about your intentions as you are about why they "aren't listening."
⚠️ And, if you say "NO" while your puppy is jumping and biting, you might unintentionally reinforce the behavior. Your attention becomes a form of reward when you engage with them (remember, they don't understand the word "no"). Your instinctive movements to protect yourself by shifting your hands, feet, arms, and legs can inadvertently encourage the jumping and biting—creating a super fun game for puppies.
🔄 Instead of tirelessly repeating "no," redirect your puppy's attention to an appropriate toy or chew.
🗨️ "You can't chew on me, but you can chew on this."
