Dog training glossary
Redirection
Quick answer
Interrupting an unwanted behavior by offering the dog a more appropriate outlet for the same underlying urge.
Written by the TailorPup team, updated September 2026. See our editorial approach.
What it means
Redirection works with a dog's motivation instead of just suppressing it, a dog that wants to chew, chase, or mouth still gets to do something close to that urge, just on an acceptable target. It's most effective when the interruption is calm and immediately followed by a legitimate outlet, rather than just a sharp "no" with nothing offered in its place.
A real example
A puppy mouthing a guest's hand gets a chew toy pressed gently into its mouth instead, and is praised the moment its teeth land on the toy rather than skin.
Common mistake
Interrupting the unwanted behavior but never following through with an acceptable alternative, so the dog's underlying urge stays unmet and the behavior returns.
Related terms
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