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Why “No” Isn’t a Training Plan: What to Say (and Do) Instead

Getting a dog or puppy

We’ve All Been There.


You catch your dog mid-zoomie on the couch, digging up your garden, or stealing your sandwich off the bench and before you can stop yourself, out comes the word:


NOOOOO!


Sound familiar? You’re not alone.


Saying “No” is often the go-to reaction for frustrated dog owners. It feels natural. It feels like it should work. But it usually doesn’t.


So let’s unpack why yelling “No!” isn’t an effective training strategy—and what to do instead to actually change your dog’s behaviour.

Why “No” Doesn’t Work the Way You Think It Does


First, let’s clear something up: Your dog isn’t being “naughty” or “spiteful.” They’re simply doing what works for them in that moment.


When we shout “No,” our dogs often hear it as:


  • Excitement (sometimes shouting sounds like an invitation to keep going)

  • Frustration (but with no clear guidance on what to do)

  • White noise (because we say it so often, they learn to ignore it)


And if your dog is already stressed, overwhelmed, or “wired,” shouting “No” can actually add to their already full stress bucket - making it even harder for them to calm down or make better choices.


Think of it like this - if I yelled “NO!” at you right now…Would you know what I actually wanted you to do instead?


Probably not. And your dog feels the same.

What to Do Instead


Teach What You Do Want

Rather than just telling your dog to stop, show them what you want instead.


For example:

  • If they’re jumping on guests, guide them to sit for attention.

  • If they’re barking at the window, encourage them to settle on their bed.

  • If they’re stealing food off the bench, build a habit of relaxing on a mat while you cook.


Set Them Up for Success

Prevention is powerful.


  • Don’t leave food unattended on the bench.

  • Block access to tempting spaces while you build skills.

  • Supervise and manage situations until your dog knows what’s expected.


This isn’t “cheating” - it’s training smart.


Reinforce the Good Stuff

Dogs repeat behaviours that get rewarded.


  • Notice the quiet moments.

  • Reward the calm choices.

  • Celebrate the times they get it right (even if it feels small).


This helps your dog learn that making good choices pays off.



Real-Life Example


Let’s say your dog jumps on you when you get home.You could:


  • Yell “No!” (they might think you’re joining in the excitement)

    or

  • Pause, wait for all four paws on the ground, and then greet them. Bonus points if you crouch down and give attention low to prevent jumping.


See the difference? One gives clarity. The other adds confusion.

distance energy healing for dogs

Final Thoughts: Make “No” Your Last Resort, Not Your Go-To


Yelling “No” feels like the obvious thing to do but it rarely teaches your dog anything helpful. Training works best when it’s:


  • Clear

  • Consistent

  • Focused on what you do want


And if you’ve found yourself stuck in the “No!” cycle - you’re are not alone. The good news? You can break the habit starting today.


Be your dog’s guide, not just their referee.


Because real behaviour change comes from building understanding, not just stopping mistakes.


Thanks for reading! I hope this blog helped you look at training a little differently.


And as always…


Throw your dog a treat from us!


Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew xo


P.S. Want more help turning “No!” into “Yes, that’s it!”?

🎧 Keep an eye out for this week’s podcast episode - dropping Thursday - where I dive even deeper into why “No” doesn’t work and what you can try instead.


👉 You’ll find it on Spotify here




 
 
 

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