Correcting A correction is not a punishment. A correction is simply the way you show the dog she has done something you don't like, or that she has not done something she was asked to do. Use vocal corrections chiefly. Time out - when you remove your presence from the dog - can also be a potent correction. (Leave her in a room by herself when she won't stop barking.) The best type of vocal correction to use in training is sounds. They pull the dog up short and direct her attention to what she has just done.
Ah-Ah!! This is a harsh gutteral sound that can be used for small misdemeanors. For example, when a dog has her front paws on the kitchen counter. Also used loudly for bigger misdemeanors. Uh-Oh This means: "You didn't do what I asked, so I am removing the reward from you for a moment. I will ask you again and will keep removing the reward until you do what I ask." Accompany the sounds by removing the reward from sight. IIEE!! Making a yelping sound tells the dog, "Stop biting me; that hurts." The object is not to scare the dog, but to get her attention, or distract her if an emotion is getting too intense. A blast from a horn or 2 pan lids banged together makes a strong enough sound to stop most dogs for a moment. Always back up a correction with praise if the dog has listened to the correction.
