There is much debate about using the word "NO" in training and education. Here is my take on this!

Scenario 1

Imagine you walk into your child’s room and she is drawing on the furniture. You say, “Sally stop, no” then walk away as you are busy doing other things. You then walk back into the room a few minutes later and Sally is now drawing and coloring on the wooden floor. “Sally, NO! I have already told you once. Do not color on the furniture or floor.” Once again you leave to get back to your own task. Several minutes pass and you go back to check on Sally. Sally is now coloring the wall with a nice orange and blue, a very pretty mural. “NO, Sally STOP RIGHT NOW! This is not acceptable, you are going to help me clean this all up. I will take your crayons away until you learn how to behave.”

Scenario 2

Imagine you walk into your child’s room and she is drawing on the furniture. You say, “Sally, oh dear what are you doing? I Love that you want to spend some time being creative but let’s find a great canvas for you to draw on. Would you like paper, cardboard or a coloring book?  Coloring book, OK. You got it. Here you go. Great job. Now we can save your art for everyone to see.”

Every situation is an educational opportunity! Teach don’t Punish! 

Now substitute the child for your dog and the coloring for inappropriate chewing! What options do you have? What can you give the dog to prevent the chewing and reinforce a more appropriate and acceptable behavior?