Quote:
Originally Posted by gemy  Let me share what maybe an unpopular viewpoint - but it is mine and has worked for me and my dogs over many years.
Yes even as puppies they must earn their food - even if it is a simple Sit and Wait command - then I release them to eat their food. Once the release command is given - I DO NOT interfere in anyway with their dining enjoyment.
I also practice food exchanges - such as a real Bone is a big deal to my dogs and I trade them for another real bone! In this way they learn to Give me that bone ... this is important because on walks they might pick up something you don't want them to have like a smelly dirty but tasty rib bone or something like that. |
Re: bolding above - I do the same exact thing! Why controversial? I use this as a way to promote impulse control amongst other reasons.
Also, Teddy has a bad habit of eating the mail and he is very possessive of it and takes it with him to his crate (den) and will growl and snap if someone puts their hand in there to retrieve the mail.
Well, this used to be a problem until I gave him the mail one day and then had a treat to hand. I gave the command GIVE and took the mail from him in exchange for a treat. Now, IF he gets the mail he drops it immediately for a treat after hearing 'GIVE' instead of leaving me little pieces of mail strewn around the house...ha.
I see lots of instances where people unknowingly perpetuate the problem and I think this (OP post) is definitely one of those times.