8 Reasons Not to Use “Corrections”
Doesn’t teach your dog what To Do
Ineffective if it’s not strong enough
Slippery slope, tends to escalate when NO stops working
Poor timing, goes on too long, so dog doesn’t connect it to the undesirable behavior
Attention (even negative) may actually reinforce unwanted behavior
Emotional, habitual and instinctive behaviors need a different approach
May harm your relationship
Demoralizing message (wrong, don’t, stop) vs. empowering better choices with clear information and motivation (reinforcement)
. . . And What We Can Do Instead
Make it difficult or impossible to do That (with barriers: gates, fence, leash, tether, more distance), esp. for jumping, chasing, running off
Redirect inappropriate biting, mouthing or chewing to a toy or desirable chew
If/when it still happens, don’t respond with attention of any kind. Try a short time-out (remove yourself or your dog) as a last resort.
Make your preferred behavior easier to do
Reinforce this every time with praise and a yummy treat
Practice in controlled set-ups, working up to Real Life
