Help me find a verbal cue

[Nala92]

I am stuck. I am trying to train Nala to shake her head 'no', but what kind of verbal cue should I use? I mean. Saying 'no' as a cue can backfire easily

 

[Emma&pico]

What about shake unless you use that for shake hands ?

 

[Nala92]

That can be a good one @Emma&pico

 

[Tazlima]

I'd suggest a non-verbal cue, something subtle (like wiggling a finger) that the bird will recognize, but humans won't really notice, or which could be blocked from their view. That way you can ask any number of questions and cue a "no" response.

(Extra points if you can also train a nod for "yes.")

That way you can script whole funny little conversations.

"Did you shred the curtains?"
No.
"Oh really? Then who did? Was it [other pet]?
No.
Was it a mouse?
No.
Was it [guest observing interaction]?
Yes.
You're telling me that [guest] snuck in the house last week and shredded the curtains?
Yes.
And they just happened to make the damage look like a bird did it?
Yes.

(This isn't the best example, but you get the idea. A yes/no signal has unlimited comedic potential).