The Problem with No

I took this picture in the spring time, when the water level was high.   The only visible instruction on the sign is "NO".    No what?
No swimming?
No diving?
No wake?
No fishing?
​No boating?
No .....?

As it is, it isn't a very helpful sign.

Our dogs can often find themselves in a similar position when we verbally tell them "no".   Even if they have figured out that something they are doing is causing our reaction, it doesn't give them any instruction on what to do instead.
​
I try to remember this in the times that I either blurt out "no" in the moment (it happens, I'm human) or use a cue that I have taught such as "off" or "leave it" so that I can follow up with something to give the dog more information such as "let's go" if we're walking or "where's your toy" in the house.

Read More