a light dawned in my understanding when thinking about training ernie to know how to be the best pup he can be. show him the way to yes. we use positive reinforcement to let him know when he's being a good boy and understanding what we are asking him to do. same principals would be wise to apply across the board in life, not just pupster training.
rewards and affirmations when we do something good encourages us to repeat that behavior. being scolded doesn't encourage anything but negative feelings, lack of confidence, and fear and aversion. sharing the way to yes, seems to me this is the way to be through life.
telling ernie no when he needs to have something in his mouth (and he initially thinks my arm might be a good option) is not enough on its own and is not effective. but telling him no AND to get his rope toy, redirects him to put a toy in his mouth when he needs to chew on something. that's something we can praise him for. and it's working. fabulously.
sharing the way to yes is a far more effective and relaxed way to educate--particularly about behaviors. in relationships across the board--pups to people--we all benefit from seeing what a positive alternative to unwanted actions can be. NO is merely part of the dynamic. it stops us from persisting at something. but adding the positive opportunity opens the door to happiness, balance, growth for everyone involved.
