Smells Like Success: Redirecting Your Dog the Smart Way

Instead of yelling “No!” every five minutes, give your dog something better to do. This page shows you how to use redirection + high-value toys so your dog learns what DOES work.

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Training Resources

Potty training, leash work, impulse control, and simple routines that build calm manners.

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Care Tips & Routines

Feeding setup, calming tools, chew toy picks, and real-life Great Dane advice.

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Great Dane Safe Home

Traction zones, stairs safety, and prevention setups for slipping and injuries.

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What Does “Smells Like Success” Mean?

Dogs don’t come pre-programmed knowing that couch cushions, baseboards, and shoes are off-limits. They explore the world with mouths and noses. “Smells Like Success” means teaching: “This is where the fun happens.”

Chewing this toy = good things happen.
Chewing the furniture = nothing fun (no attention, no payoff).
Bringing toys to you = interaction, games, and praise.

How to Use Redirection Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pick “Success” Toys Only

Choose toys that are safe, durable, and interesting. Big dogs often do best with longer, easy-to-grab toys they can carry and parade around.

Step 2: Catch Them Early

When you see the “about to be naughty” moment (sniffing table legs, pacing toward the counter), interrupt gently and guide them to a toy.

Step 3: Make the Toy AMAZING

Move the toy, toss it, tug it, act excited. The toy should feel more rewarding than the thing they were about to do.

Step 4: Reward the Right Choice

When your dog chooses the toy on their own, notice it. Praise, pet, or offer a tiny treat. You’re paying the behavior.

Step 5: Manage the Environment

Put shoes away, block tempting areas, use gates. Training + management prevents “practice” of bad habits.

Toy Ideas That “Smell Like Success”

Every dog is different, but long, soft toys are great for shaking/tossing/carrying. Durable chews are better for heavy chewers who want to gnaw for a long time.

Floppy Plush Animals

Great for dogs who like to shake, toss, and cuddle. Lightweight, easy to carry, and usually quieter than super-loud squeakers.

View Plush Toys →

Durable Chew Toys

For heavy chewers. Choose tougher rubber/nylon styles so chewing becomes a safe outlet instead of furniture.

View Chew Toys →

Stuffable Enrichment Toy

Stuff with kibble/soft food and freeze it. Keeps your dog busy and redirects “must chew something” energy.

View Enrichment →

Real-Life “Smells Like Success” Setups

Toy Basket (Living Room Success Zone)

Keep 2–3 plush toys + 1 tougher chew in the basket.
Reward anytime they grab from the basket on their own.
Rotate toys weekly so they stay interesting.

Crate or Quiet Area

Give a safe chew or stuffed toy for crate time.
Offer the toy before the whining starts (catch it early).
Use textures they love so this area “smells like success.”

Door & Guests: Mouthy Greeters

Keep a “guest toy” by the door.
Hand it to your dog before you open the door.
Ask visitors to praise when your dog holds the toy.

Common Questions

What if my dog destroys plush toys?

Some dogs can only play with plush under supervision. If your dog shreds everything, switch to tougher rubber/nylon toys and reserve soft toys for short supervised sessions.

Am I “rewarding bad behavior” by redirecting?

No. You’re interrupting the bad choice, then heavily rewarding the better option. Over time your dog learns to skip the bad option and go straight to the toy that pays.

How long does this take to work?

It depends on consistency. The more tiny “good choices” you notice and reward, the faster it becomes your dog’s default. Think days for improvement, weeks for habit.

Smells Like Success