How to Train your Dog

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Reprimanding your Dog

Reprimands should al ways be directly connected with what the dog is doing wrong, and should be delivered as correction, not punishment.
In correcting bad habits make the reprimand seem as natural a deterrent as possible. For example, many dogs have the bad habit of jumping up at guests when they visit your home. This really is only an exuberant sign of welcome, but becomes an annoying trait if not checked.

'The right way is the easiest way'. When your dog jumps up, step back quickly to prevent him getting his paws on you, say 'no' in a severe tone and tell him to sit. If he does so, crouch down to be as near as possible to his own level, restrain him from getting up by putting one hand on his shoulder, and make a great fuss of him.

If this works, well and good. If not the next time he jumps up raise your knee so that he bumps into it, and repeat 'no' in a very firm tone. Notice, I do not suggest you 'knee' the dog. Carefully time your move so that your knee is where he will arrive with his jump, and he bumps himself into it. Immediately give him something simple to do like sitting down and praise him for being a good boy.

No correction should involve any apparent unpleasantness from you towards the dog. No shouting, waving of arm, slapping or hitting with the hand or any other object; always correction leading naturally from the act carried out by the dog.