Diana Myers
Whether your dog occupies your favorite chair again or eats every piece of dirt off the floor. Your dog needs to understand what “No!” means.
The starting point
The command “No!” is only given to the dog if something is forbidden to him. In this respect, this command cannot simply be trained like “sit”. You always have to wait for a situation in which your four-legged friend does something “forbidden”. This happens quite often with a new dog, especially when practicing the other commands.
Establish bans in advance
When you get a dog, you should be clear in advance about what your dog can and cannot do. Some owners like it when the little four-legged friend joins you on the couch or sleeps in the bedroom, others strictly reject it.
Consistency to avoid confusion
However, in order not to confuse the dog with prohibitions, you must be consistent. If the dog isn’t allowed in the kitchen while the mother is cooking there, but is allowed back in when the father is doing the dishes, then the dog doesn’t understand. You should therefore also agree on the rules with the other people in the household.
Link to other commands
You can use the command “No!” already train in connection with the other commands. For example, while teaching your dog to “sit” or “down”. If your student executes the command correctly, they will be commended. But as soon as he wants to get up again, they say “No!” in a firm voice. and then “seat” or “down,” as appropriate. This is how your dog associates “No!” with something he is not allowed to do and for which there is no treat. You should never punish your dog!
In everyday life
Now it is easier for you to make your four-legged friend understand what you ask of him in other situations. As soon as he starts to occupy your couch again or starts chewing on your slipper again, give him a loud and clear “No!” to understand that he should stop doing it. Don’t let yourself be discouraged. But only say “No!” when your four-legged friend is still with you, otherwise, he will no longer be able to link his action to your command.
Praise versus frustration
After your dog has been banned from doing something, add another activity where you can praise your four-legged friend. For example, a “place” or “here”. This will prevent your darling from being reprimanded 20 times in one day and only praised once. This is often done in puppyhood to show the little one their limits. However, it should be avoided so as not to trigger frustration in your dog. So watch your student closely. This will give you a sense of how your dog is doing and when you should give him praise again.
Professional help
If you still have trouble getting your dog to understand what is taboo for him, mistakes may have crept in while practicing. However, this can only be assessed by professional help. If your dog reacts differently than we describe, consult a dog trainer who can give you advice.