diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 2b5c9432..16c0188a 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Pull Request Template
 
+> ⚠️ **Please open this PR against the `dev` branch, not `main`.** All contributions go through `dev`; `main` only receives release merges.
+
 ## Description
 Please include a summary of the change and which issue is fixed. 
 
@@ -10,6 +12,7 @@ Please include a summary of the change and which issue is fixed.
 - [ ] Documentation update
 
 ## Checklist:
+- [ ] This PR targets the `dev` branch, not `main`.
 - [ ] I have followed the contribution guidelines.
 - [ ] My code follows the style guidelines of this project.
 - [ ] I have performed a self-review of my own code.
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 6824564a..b8259702 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ We love to hear your ideas! Open an issue with the tag `feature request` and pro
 Before making any changes, please:
 
 1. Open a new issue discussing your proposed change.
-2. Fork the repository and make your changes in a new branch.
+2. Fork the repository and create your branch from **`dev`** — all contributions are based on `dev`, not `main`.
 
 ### Setting Up Your Environment
 
@@ -64,9 +64,10 @@ Ensure that all tests pass and, if applicable, add new tests for your changes. R
 
 When you're ready to submit your changes:
 
-1. Rebase your branch to the latest `dev` branch.
-2. Ensure your changes adhere to the coding standards and guidelines.
-3. Submit a pull request with a clear description of your changes.
+1. **Open your pull request against the `dev` branch — not `main`.** `main` only receives release merges from `dev`, so any PR targeting `main` will be asked to retarget.
+2. Rebase your branch onto the latest `dev` before submitting.
+3. Keep one concern per PR — don't bundle unrelated changes (e.g. a feature plus a dev-environment tweak) into the same pull request.
+4. Ensure your changes adhere to the coding standards and guidelines, with a clear description of what you changed.
 
 ### Code Review Process