Teaching an 18 month old not to do things.

Ds is very adventurous, i honestly dont think he is trying to be naughty so i dont think its a discipline issue, he just likes to see how things work and touch things and if that means climbing on the tv then so be it lol. Im a bit lost on how to teach him that things are dangerous without dampening his adventurous spirit. Being adventurous and cheeky is the essense of who ds is and i dont want to change that but more and more he is getting himself into very dangerous situations and he really wont listen to the word no. Iv tried saying no, saying stop (both have little effect) and iv tried getting down to his level and telling him why something is dangerous but i just dont think he has the understanding yet to understand what i am saying. With another baby on the way this is weighing on my mind as i really need him to start listening to me and saving his antics for a more appropriate settings. Any advice for my little monkey?

There needs to be a distinction between dangerous and adveturous/inquisition. Climbing up the TV is dangerous, and absolute no and he needs to understand that straight up. Climbing on things, bookcases, window sills etc (Charlotte has tried them all, even standing on the speakers!!) but you MUST put a stop to these with serious discipline. With Charlotte a short sharp "UH!" and then "NO" did it well for stopping in the tracks, then an explanation, removal and redirection. The same with things like running down the driveway, running off in the supermarket etc. All are very serious matters and they must understand.

As for adventuring...getting into the wardrobes, pulling out everything from a cupboard, opening everything, and generally all other things 'boy' (jumping off the couch lol) repetition, removal and redirection always worked well. As she got older and began pushing things - watching you for reaction whilst doing the thing you just explicitly told her not to do - responses became firmer each time, now they end in a time out in her room, the very very serious (the dangerous things I mentioned above) end with a smacked bum, this doesnt happen often at all. Usually the threat of it is enough for her to stop.

Good luck! I think you need to try things and see what works best for you both, but essentially repetition and consistency are key. they MUST know you are serious and that actions have consequences.

I used naughty chair with DD1 from about 13/14months. Everytime I saw her doing something dangerous I made sure I was VERY stern and firm and consistant and making sure I got her on naughty chair everytime I saw her do it.
It seems to have worked here.
I'm with LS repetition, removal and redirection.

am interested to see others opinions as well... have similar issues with my 13mo son,

VERY stern "no" or "uh-uh" works here.

Toddler then sticks out bottom lip or has a bit of a short meltdown.

And doesn't do it again :)

lol ah yes, the bottom lip! Charlotte is getting good at that one, so hard not to laugh sometimes, so wounded.