Which approach is recommended to redirect a dog?

• A. Move towards the dog in a happy upbeat tone, touch their collars, scratch them, move into the dogs space and offer praise, make a unique sound, practice, 'come.' If the dog doesn't respond, pretend you found something on the floor, do a jumping jack, or play follow the leader
• B. Yell at the dog
• C. Isolate the dog
• D. Back away slowly

Answer: (A)

Redirecting a dog effectively relies on re-engaging their attention with you through positive, inviting interaction and a simple recall cue. Moving toward the dog in a happy, upbeat tone signals you want to reconnect, and pairing that with a clear cue like “come” plus praise and a reward gives the dog a rewarding reason to approach. Gentle physical reassurance, like a light touch or a scratch, can help reinforce you as a calm, friendly presence when done softly and with sensitivity to the dog’s comfort. Using a distinctive sound can grab attention right at the moment of distraction, and short, playful practice bursts keep the dog engaged and eager to respond. If the dog doesn’t respond immediately, turning the moment into a fun reset—such as inviting them to follow you or doing a quick, simple movement—can reestablish motivation for future redirections. Yelling, isolating, or backing away tend to raise fear or confusion and make it harder for the dog to refocus on you.