The short version
AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Milena Barreto has taught her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, dozens of tricks and they often entertain as a therapy dog team at assisted living centers and hospitals. Here, she tells us how to teach one of the crowd favorites. What can be more rewarding than showing off that your dog is a four-legged Einstein? Impress your friends by teaching him to say “yes” and “no” with just hand signals.
Teach Your Dog To Say “No”
Teaching your dog to say “no” is very similar to the “yes” trick. Use your fist but with your pointer finger up, like when you say no to a child or reprimand them. As with the “yes” signal, repeat the same process but instead of going up and down, go side to side in a very slow motion.
After more practice, move your fist and pointer finger close to your body, reduce the motion, and reward with the other hand.
I really had fun teaching Phoebe this trick, and it is a hit every time. I ask her a question and she answers me by nodding yes or no. One of the questions I always ask is “Are you smart?” and when she nods yes; I get big smiles and applause from everyone in the room.
Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to be a Therapy Dog?
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Frequently asked questions
How to teach your dog to say yes and no?
The AKC walks through this step by step — the key points are covered above, sourced to the AKC article linked on this page. AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Milena Barreto has taught her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, dozens of tricks and they often entertain as a therapy dog team at assiste…
Can you teach a dog to say yes and no?
The AKC walks through this step by step — the key points are covered above, sourced to the AKC article linked on this page. AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Milena Barreto has taught her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, dozens of tricks and they often entertain as a therapy dog team at assiste…
How to teach your dog yes and no?
The AKC walks through this step by step — the key points are covered above, sourced to the AKC article linked on this page. AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Milena Barreto has taught her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, dozens of tricks and they often entertain as a therapy dog team at assiste…