The Difference Between Correcting and Redirecting a Dog’s Behavior

At our dog training facility in Northern Virginia we always go over the concept with owners on the difference between correcting an issue and redirecting an issue.

So, I will attempt to give a few scenarios for you to help determine which action is more appropriate for your dog/issue.

Excessive Barking:
-I would “correct” it with the word “off.”

Counter Surfing:
-I would correct this behavior with an “off.”

Jumping on People:
-You can correct if actively jumping (using “off”)
-You can also redirect by having the dog sit before the person approaches, and having them be greeted while in the sit

Sees Another Dog and Pulls on Leash:
-We would redirect the behavior by continuing on with the heel and correcting back into a heel.

Gets excited when someone comes to the door and rushes the door:
-For this, we would redirect the behavior by using something like the “place” command.

Reacts negatively when people/dogs walk by:
-I would redirect this into a sit, place, or heel.

Essentially, if you really break it down, I would correct when it’s just you and your dog and your dog is doing something unwanted.

I would redirect the behavior anytime your dog is doing something based off of distractions (people, dogs, cars, etc).

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