Redirection is key

We learned a lot raising 4 puppies in 4 years. And still, and always will, are learning together with our beautiful and loyal pack. So I thought it is time to share some of my (our) learning.

Today I'll write about Redirection because I think it is key to learn your puppy what you expect of him instead of telling him what you don't want him to do anymore. Because nothing is more difficult then to unlearn something. Like when your puppy likes to eat other animals feces, telling NO isn't hard but for the puppy to follow this? Not so easy. Or when your puppy sees a squirrel outside and starts to bark, and bark and bark. It is hard to make him stop when so 'in the focus'.

My solution is not to say NO, but to Redirect. So when Jane our youngest pup can't help herself and she smells such a wonderful dear poop and starts to eat it. My first reaction is to yell NO or LEAVE IT! But I know she won't listen. The poop is much much more attractive then my NO. So instead of yelling I clap in my hands and with a high pitched voice I call her and at the same time i run away from her. Oh wow now that is fun, and Jane loves to have fun so she runs to me, she gets a treat and the poop is all forgotten.

It really works, in 90% of the time that is. So Redirection to a more fun game/action/toy/puzzle/treat works and helps your relationship with your pup to even get better.