Not Yours

We hired a dog trainer to work with the puppy. (It didn't work.) One of the exercises was to plant things around the house -- a slipper, a cap, etc. -- and when she picked them up, we were to sternly say, "Not Yours!"

The other night, the husband started to get something out of my car. I quickly admonished him. Not Yours! I accidentally picked up his checkbook one day. He bellowed, "Not Yours!" I want to scream "Not Yours" whenever the oldies have overtaken my kitchen but that would probably be rude.

The husband and I have mastered this command with each other. The puppy still picks up slippers, caps and anything within her reach.