11/07/2025
“No!” “Aha!” “Naughty dog!” 🐾
Let’s be honest, I have heard many humans bark out to their dogs No and Aha at some point. I get it, It feels natural, almost instinctive. But here is the kicker, to your dog they mean absolutely nothing, that’s right nothing.
Sure, they sound urgent at the time, and yes, they might stop your dog in their tracks for a second. But honestly they don’t explain anything, they don’t teach, they are just noise. 😅
The truth is, most of the time you say these words because you are human and it’s a reflex. Totally understandable I get it I truly do as 25 years ago I would have said them too. But here is a cheeky little truth I want to share:
Words like “No,” “Aha!” and “Naughty dog!” are basically the canine equivalent of swear words. And yes, let me toss in the word“dominant” into that pile too, while I do a dramatic full-body shake-off.
Sometimes you humans just have a bit of a potty mouth when it comes to these words 😉
But listen up, the real issue is not the use of these words, it is that these words do not change behaviour, they just suppress it for a moment. If we actually want our dogs to learn, we have to offer them a better option. A clear alternative to whatever they were doing in the first place.
So next time you catch yourself mid-“Nooooo!” or dropping a dramatic “Aha!” try this instead:
Pause and count to three,ask yourself, “What do I want my dog to do instead?” Then teach that behaviour, as remember when we want to eliminate an unwanted behaviour we must teach an alternative behaviour.
Remember real training is not about correcting, it is about guiding and teaching with clarity, consistency, and with kindness.
Dogs can only be dogs (some humans may disagree with this).
So now I am curious, what is your go to phrase when you want to stop a behaviour? Be honest, I won’t judge. I might just shake my head a little.
👇 Drop it in the comments, let’s hear your K9 swear words!
