“People say I train dogs, but in many ways I train people.” -- Cesar Millan
How annoying is it when your dog picks up something in their mouth that doesn't belong to them, and then proceeds to taunt you with it?! Uugggghhhh! It's aggravating, especially when your pooch decides your favorite shoes are a chew toy. And no one buys the “dog ate my homework” business anymore, although dog owners know that can still be a thing. Whether it be shoes, toys, your report for work, food, or most importantly, something hazardous, it's critical to teach your dog to “leave it”. And if your dog counter surfs for food, well, you're in luck! This is the first in a series of two related blogs that will explore how to curb all of the naughtiness.
We all know that dogs love food, but why do they torment us by grabbing non-food items? These are attention seeking behaviors for dogs and, believe me, they get satisfaction out of it. Your attention, positive or negative, is a reward for them.
Attention seeking behaviors are triggered by boredom, lack of physical activity and mental stimulation, and nervousness. One of our clients has a beautiful husky, but when he gets bored, hasn't had enough exercise, and is left to his own devices for too long, that spells trouble! He counter surfs, gets into the trash, etc. Of course, his owner has found the solution in daily play groups. He once told me, “A tired husky is a good husky.” Truer words have never been spoken. So make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Believe it or not, mental stimulation is good for dogs, so teach them tricks, even if they are simple and just for fun. Occupy those minds so they don't have time to think about being mischievous! You can get started with a few tricks from my blog here: http://tailsuppetcare.com/tails-up-blog/category/dog-tricks
So now, down to the nitty gritty: teaching “leave it”. The first approach is also the most painful one: if you can ignore a dog's bad behavior, then do so. When they stop the behavior, reward them. I know, I know, I'm cringing too. But it's worth a shot, right? Just buy cheap shoes until your dog learns “leave it”.
For us mere mortals without god-like patience, I suggest the following approach: you're going to need a “lure” treat and a “high value” treat. The lure treat can be something that your dog would eat if you dropped it, such as bread, but not as great as a little piece of ham or turkey, which would be an example of a high value treat. Put the lure in your fist, let your dog smell it. Undoubtedly, he will try to lick your hand and get the treat. When he gives up, give him the high value treat with your other hand. And repeat. A lot. It will take time, but once he has the closed fist down, try an open palm. Hold the lure in an open palm and say “leave it”. When your pooch complies, a high value treat from your other hand. For the most difficult scenario, we are going to move the treats to the floor. In the first stage, you can place a treat on the floor in front of them and say “leave it”, covering it with your cupped hand. When the dog stops trying to get the treat, reward him. Finally, put a treat out on the floor without covering it and say, “leave it”. Each step will take some time to achieve, so be patient! Work with your dog for 10-15 minutes a day, be consistent, and you will be successful. When your dog understands “leave it”, you can apply the command to food, household items, and other hazards. Always reward your pup with a treat or praise and love when they “leave it”.
Training your dog can seem daunting, but just take it slow and steady. When you both learn something new, it's really an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment. Totally worth the time and effort....now go buy that pair of Jimmy Choos!
http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/attention-seeking.html
http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/leave-it-command.html
http://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/basic-training/teach-leave-it/
https://bestfriends.org/resources/how-teach-dog-leave-it
https://www.thespruce.com/stop-dog-from-counter-surfing-1118233
How annoying is it when your dog picks up something in their mouth that doesn't belong to them, and then proceeds to taunt you with it?! Uugggghhhh! It's aggravating, especially when your pooch decides your favorite shoes are a chew toy. And no one buys the “dog ate my homework” business anymore, although dog owners know that can still be a thing. Whether it be shoes, toys, your report for work, food, or most importantly, something hazardous, it's critical to teach your dog to “leave it”. And if your dog counter surfs for food, well, you're in luck! This is the first in a series of two related blogs that will explore how to curb all of the naughtiness.
We all know that dogs love food, but why do they torment us by grabbing non-food items? These are attention seeking behaviors for dogs and, believe me, they get satisfaction out of it. Your attention, positive or negative, is a reward for them.
Attention seeking behaviors are triggered by boredom, lack of physical activity and mental stimulation, and nervousness. One of our clients has a beautiful husky, but when he gets bored, hasn't had enough exercise, and is left to his own devices for too long, that spells trouble! He counter surfs, gets into the trash, etc. Of course, his owner has found the solution in daily play groups. He once told me, “A tired husky is a good husky.” Truer words have never been spoken. So make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Believe it or not, mental stimulation is good for dogs, so teach them tricks, even if they are simple and just for fun. Occupy those minds so they don't have time to think about being mischievous! You can get started with a few tricks from my blog here: http://tailsuppetcare.com/tails-up-blog/category/dog-tricks
So now, down to the nitty gritty: teaching “leave it”. The first approach is also the most painful one: if you can ignore a dog's bad behavior, then do so. When they stop the behavior, reward them. I know, I know, I'm cringing too. But it's worth a shot, right? Just buy cheap shoes until your dog learns “leave it”.
For us mere mortals without god-like patience, I suggest the following approach: you're going to need a “lure” treat and a “high value” treat. The lure treat can be something that your dog would eat if you dropped it, such as bread, but not as great as a little piece of ham or turkey, which would be an example of a high value treat. Put the lure in your fist, let your dog smell it. Undoubtedly, he will try to lick your hand and get the treat. When he gives up, give him the high value treat with your other hand. And repeat. A lot. It will take time, but once he has the closed fist down, try an open palm. Hold the lure in an open palm and say “leave it”. When your pooch complies, a high value treat from your other hand. For the most difficult scenario, we are going to move the treats to the floor. In the first stage, you can place a treat on the floor in front of them and say “leave it”, covering it with your cupped hand. When the dog stops trying to get the treat, reward him. Finally, put a treat out on the floor without covering it and say, “leave it”. Each step will take some time to achieve, so be patient! Work with your dog for 10-15 minutes a day, be consistent, and you will be successful. When your dog understands “leave it”, you can apply the command to food, household items, and other hazards. Always reward your pup with a treat or praise and love when they “leave it”.
Training your dog can seem daunting, but just take it slow and steady. When you both learn something new, it's really an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment. Totally worth the time and effort....now go buy that pair of Jimmy Choos!
http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/attention-seeking.html
http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/leave-it-command.html
http://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/basic-training/teach-leave-it/
https://bestfriends.org/resources/how-teach-dog-leave-it
https://www.thespruce.com/stop-dog-from-counter-surfing-1118233
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