When our dogs do something we don’t like — jumping up, barking, grabbing things off the counter — it’s natural to say “No!” or “Stop that!”

It’s what most of us grew up hearing. But here’s the truth: for our dogs, “no” doesn’t actually mean anything. 🙈

It doesn’t tell them what to do.
It doesn’t explain how to succeed next time.
And it’s a word that crops up all the time in everyday conversation, so it carries no clear meaning. 🐶❓

Imagine it from your dog’s point of view

Picture someone shouting “No!” at you in a foreign language every time you made a mistake. You’d probably pause, feel confused, and then carry on doing whatever made sense to you.

That’s exactly how it feels for our dogs. They hear a sound, but they don’t understand the message. 💭

Dogs learn through clear communication, consistency, and positive experiences. When we use vague or emotional words, they don’t get the feedback they need to make better choices next time.

What to do instead

If we want to interrupt a behaviour, we need something neutral and clear — a sound that means “that wasn’t quite right, let’s try again.”

That’s why I like using a word such as “oopsies!”

It’s short, friendly, and unique — not something your dog will hear in everyday life, so it stands out and stays consistent.

Then, rather than scolding, we calmly show them what we do want:

🐾 Jumping up? Reward four paws on the floor.
🐾 Barking for attention? Reinforce quiet moments.
🐾 Pulling on the lead? Mark and reward walking beside you.

This approach turns mistakes into learning opportunities. You’re not just stopping behaviour — you’re teaching a better alternative in a way your dog can truly understand.

Why positive training works better

When dogs are taught using kindness, patience, and clear feedback, they become more confident and more eager to listen. They learn that good things happen when they make good choices. That’s the foundation of force-free, positive dog training.

Instead of shutting behaviour down, we build understanding, trust, and communication. And when your dog feels safe and supported, they want to cooperate with you — not because they’re scared of getting it wrong, but because they enjoy getting it right. 💛

Guide, don’t punish

The next time you feel tempted to say “no”, take a breath and guide instead.
You’ll be amazed at how much more your dog can learn when you show them what you do want. ✨