When to say "No" Are their ever "non-ignore-worthy" behaviors that warrant a correction? Of course, but far fewer than most people think. The average human is pretty addicted to the word "no" - in fact we are programmed to focus on what we want the dog to STOP doing, not the appropriate behaviors we are trying to create in their place. Try in all cases to avoid having to correct the dog by using effective management and setting the dog up to succeed, but when necessary, you may occasionally need to follow through with a negative consequence. Fortunately, we have excellent tools, such as teaching an alternative or incompatible behavior, which often allow us to totally bypass punishment. My philosophy is consistent: I reserve punishments for "nip it in the bud" never-want-to-see-them-again behaviors. If you must punish, do so effectively, or it is inhumane.” - Ian Dunbar, PhD

Throughout a dog's life there will occasionally be behaviors that warrant big feedback. As a trainer, before deciding how to address a problem behavior, I must first determine what is reinforcing the behavior. Most importantly, how can I remove the reinforcement? If a toddler pitches a fit in a grocery store, withholding attention is the best choice - a smart parent just walks away. However, if the toddler stabs his mom with a fork, no parent in her right mind would just look away and wait for the stabbing to stop! Most likely the mom would grab that fork away with a big physical demonstration, get up close and personal with a huge, "don't you EVER do that again!!" and maybe even a swat on the backside for emphasis. If done right, the child would be momentarily shocked and think twice about EVER trying that one again. He would not be frightened or injured. NO means NEVER. The definition of effective punishment is "big, immediate, and doesn't have to be repeated." It creates avoidance. This doesn't mean scaring, hurting or dominating.

The downfall of many parents and doggy-moms is nagging.
"Jimmy, don't. Jimmy stop it. Jimmy, Jimmy, JIMMY! What have I told you? Put that down. Don't make me come over there. ONE, two ... JIMMY ...don't make me say three!" Lots of threats with no follow through and un-ending attention to bad behavior.

Clean Negative Consequence
(withholding a reward or privilege in order to decrease an unwanted behavior):

WARNING CUE - AH-AH! >>> dog continues behavior >>>> ONE cue for time-out: "THAT'S ENOUGH!" >>>> implement time-out (you MUST follow through immediately!)

On subsequent trials:

WARNING CUE "AH-AH!" >>> dog desists >>>> safety cue "thank you" >>>> monitor (if dog resumes bad behavior, implement time-out IMMEDIATELY, no warning needed - he already used up his warning.)

Result: behavior diminishes, dog self monitors

What often happens in un-trained dog owner (or parent):

WARNING CUE >>> behavior continues >>>> warning cue >>>> behavior continues >>>> warning cue (louder) >>> behavior continues >>> ANGRY warning cue >>> time-out.

Result: Behavior escalates. Time-out is ineffective.

Warn ONCE. Then time-out immediately and consistently.

No ANGER allowed! Remain neutral and unemotional when you put the dog in time-out.
An instructive reprimand, when warranted, must be big enough, TIMED PERFECTLY (at the exact instant the behavior begins, not after the fact), and just enough to NOT NEED TO BE REPEATED. Used **sparingly** this is the "or else" that you warned him about, that he never wants to see again. Think "impersonal startling interruption" not painful or scary punishment. It is over as quickly as it started. Don't continue to chastise during or apologize afterward. Act insulted and shut him out mentally or shut him away physically (withhold reinforcement/time-out.) Once over, you are neutral. If the dog shows you an appropriate behavior, acknowledge it. "That's better, thank you!" But don't gush. It was the behavior you were upset with, not the dog. Once the behavior has ceased, you are immediately back on good terms. Don't chastise after the fact.

Pick your battles.
Don't fall into the negative trap of constantly looking for ways to "catch him in the act."
Concentrate on the POSITIVE shaping of good behavior wherever possible. When you find yourself saying "how do I get him to stop X" - rephrase it: "how do I teach him to do Y instead?"

If you find yourself saying "I can't" or "he won't let me" it's more likely a leadership problem than a training problem!

See also:
"When to say "NO" --- literally" by Gary Wilkes
Punishment and Your Dog by Marty Guerra and Susan Clark

This handout may be reprinted in its entirety for distribution free of charge and with full credit given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com