We all do it from time to time. Your dog did something you didn't want them to do and you say or yell or scream: "NO!!!!" or even : "NOOOOOOO!!!!!"
Maybe that is even followed by "Bad Dog" or any other exclamation of displeasure or even a physical correction.
Of course, we humans know immediately what that means. It tells the person that they're doing it wrong, they need to stop that action immediately, and do something else.
But what about your dog? There is a really good chance that your dog will stop what they're doing at that moment and that they realize that you are angry and upset. Do they really understand that they're doing something wrong? If they never repeat that action again, my guess is yes, they understood, but more often than not, the unwanted behavior repeats.
The simple reality is that every action the dog undertakes serves a function for them. If it doesn't, the behaviour will disappear as dogs are smart enough to not waste time and energy for zero gain!
Let's take the example of sticking their nose in the garbage can and taking out some garbage.
Your dog is just looking out for number one, themselves! If there is a tasty food wrapper in the garbage, and they're hungry it makes complete sense to them to go there grab it and either lick it or consume it. It serves a function. As from time to time your dog may be successful, they will keep trying even though you were very upset. Dogs are dogs, extremely self serving and they learn by trial and error. They may even be smart enough to not do the behaviour in your presence but behind your back...
If a behavior suits a purpose it will be continued!
Here's another example. A dog jumps on your guests, you yell "no", and the guests very gently brushes off the dog. What did the dog want? Attention from the guest. Did the dog get the attention from the guests? The answer is yes, therefore the behavior will most likely be repeated even though the dog completely realizes that you are angry.
The next question is : does the dog really know what no means?
Let's do an experiment, one person asks another person to go touch an object and no matter how they touch it, they will be met with a gentle or harsh "NO", Indicating they're doing it wrong. The person will try again, and again they're doing it wrong and we yell at them "no"
Try this experiment at home and see what happens to the person. They will start feeling uncomfortable, and after two more tries they will give up trying and will shut down without really knowing what they did wrong.
That is exactly what your dog goes through when you tell them "no."
Fixing this communication problem is actually really simple. When your dog makes a mistake, just tell them and show them how they can fix their mistake and start rewarding them for doing it right instead of yelling at them for doing it wrong. When he jumps on the guest, take him to his bed and reward him for staying...
Now try that with the human. instead of giving minimal information such as touch that object, we're going to tell them and show them how to touch it. Instead of touching it with a finger we're going to tell and show them to touch it with a full hand, or instead of with a full hand, we're going to tell them to touch it with a finger. We can start saying "yes" and pay them for a job well done. Without a shadow of a doubt that will bring joy and a smile on that person's face.
Your dog is in exactly the same boat. If you are able to manage and avoid the unwanted behavior and start rewarding the dog for the wanted behavior such as turning away from the garbage can and looking at you or turning away from the garbage can to follow a toy that you're tossing away, they will quickly realize that the garbage can really isn't that important, but you are!
Let this sink in and if you find yourself saying "no" to your dog, be smart, and quickly follow it up with clear instructions on what the dog should be doing so you can start praising them and rewarding them for a job well done. It will go a long way in your relationship as well as accelerate your dog's learning.
If you are interested to learn more about simple ways to help your dog learn faster without you having to be upset, contact us! Our Paw-e-some trainers will be more than happy to assist you either in private lessons or group classes.
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