We were discussing "what to do" when pet owners frequently describe the presenting complaint they want fixed as "Dog jumps on people," or "Dog barks in the yard all the time," or other things they do not want the dog to do. They've asked us to teach the dog so it will know all the "Do not do this" behaviors.

In other words,pet owners may wish, "Please wave a magic want so my dog will not jump on the kitchen counters anymore," as if to hint, "Otherwise, he's perfect."

It's far, far simpler to teach a dog what you *DO* want it to do, instead.

I've found another useful description. I explain about when we wish to change some behaviors that have become habits, we'll we working on a program to extinguish the undesirable behavior over  time.

Then I ask people to try to think of a behavior that would be the polar opposite of the (mis)behavior the owners consider to be undesirable and that they would like the dog to stop doing.

An example of course is rewarding the dog for Four Paws on the Floor to help eliminate the "jumping up on anyone who walks in the door." Then the owners can appreciate that a dog standing with four paws on the floor is indeed the polar opposite of that same dog jumping to greet guests.

The expression "polar opposite" has been effective for me for now. It seems that in an everyday conversational tone, I'm able to ask, "What would you like the dog to do instead? Choose one thing." The pet owners just hadn't thought of it that way before a trainer came into the house.

For instance, to replace counter surfing behavior, I give owners instructions for a new lesson, a jiffy lesson, one I call "Get out of the Kitchen."

Lesson: Get Out of the Kitchen

I use a very simple gesture that dogs are able to read well. I standin the kitchen facing the dogs with my arms down to my sides, but with the palms facing forward. Then I lean toward dog very slightly about a half inch from the waist as do two things simultaneously: (1.) Say "Out of thekitchen" in a clear calm voice, (2.)  as I bring my arms up slowly  to my waist.

 The dogs give way instantly.; In response, to acknowledge the dogs' desirable behavior, I immediately move my body back totally uprightagain, or even take a half step back. Those movements are to relieve the 'social pressure' I'd applied when I had learned forward. It's  vitally important to respond to  thedogs' action by relieving that social pressure.

Then have the dogs settle on the dining room rug, from which vantage point the dogs may help supervise meal preparation politely. I remind the pet owners that my four dogs lying down in a row, quietly and calmly watching Mom cook dinner is a truly rewardable behavior! The pet owners can achieve that with their dogs, too.

Then we move in to tghe next lesson: Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.

I usually ask new pet owners to count out 25 very tiny tidbit treats, put 'em in a little Ziplic container with a lid. Then during the day, observe the dog with your peripheral vision to notice it exhibiting any behavior at all that you like. Click that/ reward that, any behavior at all the dog exhibits that you can live with easily. Try to do that click/treat reward for the dog 25 times a day, minimum.

Now you and I know that 25 click/treats could be accomplished in a 3 to 5 minute lesson, but the pet owners are quite astounded to discover that they need to notice their dogs 25 times a day for good behavior.

What's that?

Why it's the polar opposite of noticing the dog for the behaviors we do not like. Try it. Try noticing your dog -- or your children or spouse -- for the behaviors you find to be desirable. Given them attention for that. 

Such practice is called using positive reinforcement. It truly works.