How to Redirect a Dog

Author: Carolyn McEwan 12 January 2023

Dogs and puppies are curious by nature. They are led by their nose and it will take them wherever the interesting smells lead.

However, sometimes their nose can lead them into mischief, and they may come face to face with something they didn’t expect.

How to use redirection is one of the best techniques to learn as a pup parent, as it can get both you and your dog out of some sticky situations! As time goes on, you will get a sense for when your dog may be about to act out and recognise their triggers, allowing you to preempt behaviours before they fully emerge.

When out walking, dogs are surrounded by stimuli, particularly in the form of other dogs and humans. Depending on how your dog perceives these stimuli, they may become very distracted, or evoke an overly-excited reaction, and at times even an aggressive one. So it is important to know how to redirect a reactive dog should the occasion call for it.

What is redirection?

Redirection is when your dog becomes preoccupied with something else or starts to present a certain behaviour that you want to discourage. And so you ‘redirect’ them, bringing their attention away from the behaviour and back to you.

It is important to intercept the behaviour as quickly as possible, so that your pooch gets to learn the acceptable behaviours and commands when out and about.

How to redirect dog behaviour - tips and tricks

How to Redirect a dog When it comes to redirecting dog behaviour - whether you want to know “how do you redirect a dog from being excited?” or how to control aggression or discourage distraction - there are several methods you can try.

Each dog is unique and so will respond to different teachings.

Here a few tips and tricks to help with redirecting your pup:

Sounds and cues - One of the most effective ways to get your dog to respond to behavioural changes is through sounds and verbal cues. The more often this cue is repeated, your dog will come to associate the sound with the desired behaviour. You can also try using a handheld clicker to redirect behaviours.
Positive association with the good behaviour - You want your dog to have a positive association with behaving well, and so incentives such as treats can be a great learning tool to try when redirecting your dog.
As you progress, don’t always reward your dog with a treat - While treats are a great starter tool, you want to get to the point where your dog’s reward for good behaviour is simply verbal praise or pets, rather than expecting a tasty treat every time they are good. This can be a gradual process, and the more your practice the more your dog will start to recognise the sound/verbal cues. Eventually, the good behaviour and obedience will become second nature.
No-pull harnesses - When out walking, a no-pull harness can be a saving grace for dog training. This type of harness often has a front D ring to help with training dogs and redirecting their momentum, whilst keeping them comfortable and not causing them any discomfort. It allows for the dog owner to have better control over their dog’s movements and allows for an easier interception of unwanted behaviour.

How can PittaPatta help with dog redirection?

When it comes to pup redirection and protection, PittaPatta has got you covered!

Our specially designed 4Pooch control harness ensures the safety, comfort and happiness of your four legged friend, whilst still offering plenty of space and scope for exploring.

Features of the harness include:

Fully adjustable straps for the best fit
D ring at the top front and front of the harness
3 Points of lead attachment
Reflective stitching for visibility in all weather conditions
Buckle neck strap for easy on/off motion for your dog
Lightweight design for keeping your dog cool & comfortable
H-style straps to keep your dog more secure
Includes a connector lead to reduce twisting of the harness while training.

The harness and connector lead are made of strong webbing with a reflective stitching for safe walking at night or in more treacherous weather.

Already have a harness and just want a lead? No sweat! We also offer a lightweight and reflective nylon webbing 4Pooch Multi-Function Lead which comes in three sizes and which can be used in different ways, giving optimum customisation and control whilst walking with your pup.

You may also want to check out our training accessories too. Including everything from clickers, treats to training bags too. Everything you need to get started.

So, to all the puppies and pet parents out there - take it steady!