Dogs are naturally active creatures.
They are innately curious.
And sometimes that curiosity ends up causing danger to themselves, to others, or properties.
Most dog owners agree that preventing these things from happening is the best choice. One way to do this is to train a dog on what it should not do. And it can start with training your dog the ‘no’ command.
Teaching your dog the “no” command is essential in ensuring that it can, later on, distinguish what is suitable for it and what is bad for it.
Top Tips for Training the “No” Command
While there are many possibilities of teaching this important command, this article will lay out all the most essential tips on how to teach your dog the no command. Let us go into them.
1. Demonstrate the action to your dog
Instead of focusing on verbal language, focus on associating the “NO” command with actions.
Hold two treats on both palms. Show your dog the treat in one palm while you hide the other, and then say “no” before shutting your fist.
Your dog will approach you, specifically the hand where the treat it saw was, and cozy up with you for the treat.
However, do not waiver. Hold on to the treat until your dog gives up.
When your dog walks away, that will be the time that you will approach it and praise it for a job well done.
Then give it the treat from the other hand that you hid.
2. Use a stern but neutral voice
When issuing the no command, do not sound happy or cheerful, so your dog does not mistake the command as something positive or fun.
You cannot yell as well as that might cause your dog that you are angry.
Instead, try to keep your voice neutral and stern as you issue the command.
You must accompany your stern voice with a firm stance as well. So stand tall and straight as you issue the command.
3. Be patient
Your dog will not learn the “no” command immediately, so you have to be patient.
You will have to keep doing exercises related to the “no” command many times before your dog can grasp and memorize the command.
It can become frustrating as you wait for your dog’s progress.
It may also stress your dog. It is better if you do the training in intervals, like once or twice a day.
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4. Practice and apply it in the real world
You must keep implementing the “no” command training with your dog.
As your progress with the training, incorporate real-world applications to the training as well.
Start to use the command in a range of other settings rather than limiting everything within your house.
For example, before you walk your dog, hide some treats within or around your usual walking area.
Be sure to keep some treats with you as well, either in another bag or in your pocket.
As you go on your walk, when you see that your dog took notice of the treat, you hid and approaches, issue the “no” command.
At first, your dog will probably pull on the leash to go to the treat.
When this happens, stop and let your dog tire itself.
When it stops pulling and looks at you, lavish it with praise and give it a treat from your bag or pocket.
5. Gradually decrease the dependence on treats
It is not good to always rely on the treats to get your dog to obey.
So, it is crucial that when you see that your dog is obeying well, you decrease the number of instances that you give your dog a treat every time it follows your “no” command.
For example, if on a regular day, you may issue ten “no” commands. Instead of rewarding your dog praise, your attention, and a treat every time, cut the treat reward by half.
Later on, your dog will continue obeying the “no” command even they are only praised for an excellent job for it without the treats.
6. Clean up your area
The best option to stop the propagation of bad behavior is to remove the source.
It applies to your dog as well. Do not just rely on your dog’s obedience to the “no” command. You have to help them as well.
To make sure that your dog follows the “no” command, reinforce it by removing the object that is the reason for the “no” command.
For example, if your dog tends to bite slippers, make sure that the slippers stay out of your dog’s reach.
7. Associate other commands to the “no” command
It is also an excellent option to associate other commands with the “no” command.
For example, if you are issuing a “no” command, so your dog does not approach something, then when your dog stops, you can call out “come.”
You can also add “yes” before you praise your dog for a good job.
The “yes” command can serve as an affirmation for your dog that it did a good job and that it will be praised after.
Key Takeaway
The “no” command is a useful command when you want to stop your dog from doing something.
However, you must understand that the “no” command will not work if you do not practice it, and you are not consistent with that your praises and commands.
You also have to know that it will be a commitment when you decide to train your dog for the command or any other command.
You cannot do it haphazardly and stop mid-way.
You have to ensure that you enforce that command day by day.
