It's rare that a dog or puppy doesn't try to steal or pick up an unwanted item on a walk. When your dog steals a sock or grabs a plastic bag or bottle cap do you chase your dog in circles or kneel beside him and pry his mouth open? With a release command and training you can move past the prying and running circles. I've done the hand in mouth and running after my dogs and I've gotten frustrated with my dogs not giving me what they've either stolen or picked up on a walk. And why should they give up their newly acquired prize, because you say so? Yes. But before that can happen you have to train/show your dog what you expect.
So how on earth are we supposed to teach our dogs to release the items we want? Offer a trade and teach a release word. Like all the training I've written about you'll use treats and positive reinforcement. Start with your dog’s favorite toy. Get him playing with his toy while you're holding it and don't let go. When you're ready to have him release the toy place the treat in front of his nose and say drop, give, release or whatever you want your release word to be.
When he releases the toy he's rewarded with the treat. Practice this several times in a play session, this way he learns that releasing the toy doesn't always mean the end of play. You can also exchange one toy for another. The key to this exercise is to practice it often so when you really need him to drop something like a sock, child's toy or homework he'll understand and comply.
Never ask your dog to drop something and then punish him-to the dog you are punishing him for the very act you've asked him to do you. Worse yet is if he comes to you and releases the item and you punish him you've basically given him the message that coming to you and releasing his prized object gets him in trouble. The dog doesn't understand that you're punishing him for taking the item in the first place. He lives in the moment and at the moment you punish him he's just come to you and released the item.
Instead reward your dog with a treat, verbal praise or petting. In the long run you'll have a happier dog and long lasting relationship.
Until next time, Woof, Woof, and a Roo!
(Disclaimer: I am not a certified trainer or behaviorist, I am sharing
what has worked for me and my dogs. I strongly advise all owners of
dogs regardless of age or breed to participate in positive dog training classes
with certified or proven trainers. You can find a trainer in your area by
visiting APDT.)
my dogs don't have that problem, probably because they have to wear muzzles in public. rather deal with the stealing and releasing than the muzzles, though.
ReplyDeletei would like to know if you have any secrets for training cats to properly dispose of any house geckos they kill.