Loot Scootin' Boogie

Ever Had Your Dog Steal Your Favorite Ball Cap?

Shoes?

A knife? (YIKES!!)

Me too!

I've been home for the last month or so nursing an injured knee. It started with Bruce and a nasty flare-up of his elbow dysplasia.

Bruce is a good boy.

Moses... well, Moses always has a better idea. All. The. Time.

If I don't give him something productive to do, he will find something to do.

Lately, there's been a lot of theft going on around here. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it has occasionally ended with "the chase."

The other day, I was sitting on the couch, icing my knee, when Moses came around the corner carrying one of my grandson's Hot Wheels.

There he stood.

Ears up.

Tail up.

Staring all of us down.

Waiting.

Bruce took off after him, and just like that, the game was on.

Sound familiar?

So What Should You Do When Your Dog Has Something He Shouldn't?

I'm glad you asked.

The answer starts long before your dog grabs the forbidden item.

I've done a lot of pre-training on this behavior. Success doesn't come from one training session. It comes from consistency over time.

Start by teaching your dog to "give."

For example, if your dog has a toy, have treats readily available. Ask for a "give" and trade the toy for the treat. Your dog learns that releasing an item doesn't mean losing something. It means something good is coming.

You can begin this exercise with your dog on a leash so you have more control.

Once they understand the concept, start practicing with different objects and in different situations, both on- and off-leash.

And don't forget to mark the behavior you want.

When your dog releases the item, say "yes" and reward.

Use the same marker word every single time. Consistency matters.

Let's Say Your Dog Picks Up Your Slipper...

Grab a treat and call your dog to you.

If he doesn't come, never, and I mean NEVER, chase your dog.

Don't take one step toward him.

The moment you chase, you've turned it into a game. And I promise you, that's a game you're unlikely to win.

If necessary, calmly limit your dog's options or gently corner him. (That's what I had to do to retrieve my grandson's Hot Wheels.)

Even then, don't scold your dog.

Once you're close enough, ask for the "give," exchange the item for a treat, and mark the behavior with a cheerful "yes!"

The Real Lesson

This may sound like a lot of work just to keep your slippers, hats, and Hot Wheels safe.

But that's how training works.

Most people don't think about teaching a "give" until their dog steals something valuable.

Training often becomes a priority only after a problem surfaces.

The best time to teach a behavior is before you need it.

And trust me, someday when your dog proudly walks around the corner carrying something he shouldn't have, you'll be glad you did.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my Nike sandal ……

Sandy