Crackerjack Canines

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

A very common frustration voiced by puppy parents is the aggravating cycle of saying "no" to their biting puppy, only to have their puppy persist despite being told “NO!” a thousand times.

🤔 This actually isn’t surprising. Why? Because "no" is not a behavior itself.

When your puppy jumps, bites your hands, is chewing your shoe, and you suddenly shout "NO”, your puppy doesn’t understand what you want.

No doesn’t tell your puppy what you want them to do.

🐶 Puppies don't understand English. Words hold no meaning for them unless we associate specific actions with those words through training. To your puppy, it's merely sound.

🚫 "No" doesn't provide your puppy with clear guidance on what you desire. They might be just as puzzled about what the heck you want 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 your puppy.

🔄 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."

07/12/2026

New episode! Do dogs change their behaviour when someone in the home is pregnant? And can their noses detect when you are stressed? Kristi Benson and I chatted with Dr. Catherine Reeve of Mount St Vincent University and Epic Tails Canine Adventures to find out what she learned about this from her research. This is a really fascinating episode!! Have a listen/watch and then let me know if your dog has ever behaved differently when someone is pregnant? Do you think they know when you are stressed?

Listen to The Pawsitive Post in Conversation wherever you get your podcasts, watch on the Companion Animal Psychology Youtube channel, or do both and find the show notes on my website (link in bio).