A leading puppy training specialist has issued a compelling warning to dog owners across the UK, urging them to avoid one common word during training: 'no'.
Kim Paciotti, from the Empowered Puppy Program, argues that while it's a natural reaction to shout 'no' when a puppy chews a shoe or nips at clothing, this approach is ultimately counterproductive. With over 314,000 followers on Instagram, Paciotti is championing a more positive and effective method for shaping a well-behaved canine companion.
The Hidden Danger of 'Learned Helplessness'
In a detailed social media post, Paciotti explained the core issue with constantly telling a puppy what not to do. "Here's what most people don't understand about saying 'NO' to puppies: it creates what trainers call 'learned helplessness'," she wrote.
This occurs when a puppy is repeatedly scolded without being shown the correct alternative behaviour. The result isn't a well-trained pet, but a confused and fearful one that may simply give up trying to understand what you want. While a sharp 'no' might interrupt the unwanted action momentarily, the puppy hasn't learned what it should be doing instead, leading to the behaviour quickly resuming, often in a sneakier manner.
A Better Method: Redirect and Reward
So, what should owners do when their puppy misbehaves? Paciotti advocates for a simple two-step process of redirection and positive reinforcement.
First, use a calm, gentle voice to interrupt the behaviour without causing anxiety. Then, immediately guide the puppy's attention towards an appropriate alternative. For example, if they are gnawing on a table leg, calmly intervene and offer them a proper chew toy. The crucial final step is to offer praise or a treat the moment they engage with the correct item.
"Puppies NEED to try things, make mistakes, and learn from them," Kim explained. "When every mistake is met with punishment instead of redirection, you're not building a confident decision-maker you're building a fearful one."
Practical Alternatives for Common Puppy Problems
Thinking of an alternative in the heat of the moment can be challenging. To help, Paciotti outlined specific swaps for frequent puppy slip-ups:
- Jumping on guests: Train them to sit for greetings instead.
- Barking at the door: Instruct them to go to their bed when the doorbell rings.
- Pulling on the lead: Reward them with treats when they walk calmly by your side.
This philosophy is backed by studies showing that punishment-based methods, including vocal reprimands, are less successful than teaching replacement behaviours. The expert's conclusion is simple: focus on the conduct you want to see.
"Your job: Make the right choice obvious and rewarding," she said. By concentrating on coaching and acknowledging good behaviour, rather than just preventing the bad, owners can foster a happier, more confident, and better-behaved dog.
