TailorPup

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.

A worked example

Chloe's puppy chews table legs. When she sees it start, she calmly offers a chew toy and praises when it takes it. She also keeps toys in every room. After two weeks the puppy goes to the toy basket by itself.

Signs it is working

  • The dog takes the alternative quickly.
  • The unwanted behavior happens less often.
  • The dog goes to the toy by itself.

What it is not

It is not ignoring the behavior. You are giving a better option at the exact moment the urge appears.

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.

Why it matters

It gives the dog an outlet, which is usually more successful than just saying no. Puppies in particular need somewhere appropriate to put their energy.

How to use it

  1. Spot the urge behind the behavior: chewing, mouthing, digging, excitement.
  2. Offer an acceptable alternative the moment you see it begin, such as a chew toy.
  3. Reward the dog for taking the alternative.
  4. Keep a few ready options in the places where the problem happens.

Is redirection just a distraction?

It starts as one. Over time, rewarding the better choice turns it into a habit, which is more than simply interrupting.

Related terms

ManagementChanging the environment to prevent an unwanted behavior from happening or being rewarded.Life RewardsUsing naturally occurring things a dog wants as the reward for a small requested behavior.Impulse ControlA dog's learned ability to pause before acting on a strong urge, like grabbing food or bolting through a door.

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