Dogs are wonderful in so many ways, but they can also annoy us, damage things, and leave a trail of chaos in their wake! If you find yourself constantly saying “no” to your dog, it can get exhausting. Turn things around by saying “yes” instead, and see how this may be even more effective.
Why Create a “Yes” For Every “No”?
Many of the behaviors we struggle with in our dogs are completely normal, natural behaviors for them. It isn’t fair, and may not be possible, to completely eliminate them. Trying to chase unwanted behavior around with punishment is frustrating and difficult to do effectively. It is far easier and kinder to find a way for these behaviors to be expressed safely and appropriately. Everyone will be happier!
Try It For: Chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that can be calming. Taking away chew options doesn’t prevent the behavior, only risks your belongings.
“Yes” for Chewing
Toys, food-stuffed puzzles, natural, and/or consumable chews are all options. Talk to your vet about the pros and cons of different options based on your dog’s dietary needs and dental concerns.
Consider whether chew time is best as a shared or independent activity. If your dog has a history of guarding high-value items from people or other dogs, give them privacy in a space where others can’t approach them.
Different dogs have different size, shape, and texture preferences. Consider what your dog is choosing now and look for options with a similar size and hardness. You may have to try a few options to find the one they love.
Bonus: If your dog doesn’t just want to chew but loves to shred/destroy things, you can give them a “yes” for that, too. Check out this article about letting them destroy.
“No” for Chewing
Pick up anything that can be picked up (shoes, kids’ toys) and store them in areas your dog can’t access. Close doors or use baby gates to prevent unsupervised access to rooms where you can’t remove tempting items (playrooms, kids’ rooms, etc). Alternatively, set up a safe zone where your dog can spend their time when they aren’t supervised.
In some cases, an anti-chew spray, which tastes bitter, can be applied to a surface to dissuade chewing. Some dogs don’t mind it though! And you won’t want to use the spray on surfaces that you frequently touch since it’s easy to get the spray on your hands and transfer it to other surfaces–or into your own mouth, yuck!
Try It For: Digging
Some dogs love to dig and it’s so fun that just saying “no” isn’t going to get you very far. If you want to protect your garden, work on your “yes.”
“Yes” for Digging
Create a “dig pit” in a dog-appropriate area of the yard. Fill a garden bed or kid pool/sandbox with sand or dirt and hide toys and chews for your dog to find. If they only find goodies in that one area, they’ll focus there. If you prefer your dog to only dig when you have time to clean them up, choose an area that you can cover (like a kid’s sandbox), but make time for this activity on a regular basis or the digging will reappear in other places.
For indoor or cleaner digging, you can fill a large box or plastic container with old towels, crumbled packing paper, toys, and some treats or a chew.
“No” for Digging
Proactive management can go a long way, so consider putting up garden fences around areas where you really don’t want your dog digging. Alternatively, use large paving stones or cover the area with rock. Keep an eye out though that your dog isn’t continuing to try to dig in these areas as they could hurt themselves.
Supervise your dog when they’re in areas where they’ve previously enjoyed digging and redirect to other areas as needed.
Try It For: Scavenging (AKA “Getting Into Things”)
Dogs are natural scavengers, on the hunt for tasty or interesting things. This can be a problem when it’s directed at trash cans or kitchen counters. But there are safe options for this common behavior.
“Yes” for Scavenging
Give your dog lots of opportunities to search out good things in appropriate places. Try hiding toys, treats, or food puzzles around the house for your dog to discover. Play sniffing games by scattering treats in grass or a snuffle mat. Create a “treasure box” of toys and treats buried in old towels or packing paper.
Go one step further and introduce your dog to “nosework,” the canine sport of scent detection. There may be classes in your area (often they are even structured to be appropriate for dogs who have difficulty around other dogs). If not, there are lots of online options. You can find instructors here.
“No” for Scavenging
Make sure you never leave food unattended and available for your dog to take off of counters or tables. If they learn that counter surfing sometimes pays, they will be much harder to dissuade later.
Put lids on trash cans or put them in cabinets to prevent access. A heavy object placed in the bottom on a large can may be sufficient to keep it upright (though it likely won’t stop the most motivated of canines). As needed, place child-proof latches on cabinets or drawers.
Use closed doors and baby gates to prevent access to certain areas, such as the kitchen. Pair meal prep with a “yes” game (above) to make it easier for your dog to stay away.
If the temptation is the cat’s food or litter box, consider a cat door strap or a baby gate with a cat door (works best for medium and larger dogs).
What More Can You Say “Yes” To?
You don’t have to live with annoying, damaging, or problematic dog behavior and recognizing your dog’s needs can help you solve it. By creating safe and appropriate outlets, you can let your dog be a dog without sacrificing your home or well-being. Try thinking of a “yes” for your dog’s mouthing play, attention-seeking behavior during Zoom meetings, or anything else that has you saying “no!” You’ll find the path to a better-behaved, happier dog becomes clearer and easier.
If your dog has a behavior problem that you need help solving, consider scheduling a private behavior consultation.