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| From: | Callie (71.54.170.227)
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| Subject: | Re: dog theif |
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Date: | May 30, 2012 at 11:03 pm PST |
In Reply to: dog theif posted by Teresa on May 27, 2012 at 10:05 pm:
The only answer is serious training -- try "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Pryor.
"reprimanding" is only going to confuse him and create the desire for negative attention (which is better in his mind than a lack of attention all together).
He probably also needs MUCH MUCH more exercise than he is currently getting. That is likely the bottom line -- excercise and training will fill the void for him, and will result in a far more pleasant dog.
He's a strong-willed dog. You don't want to break that, merely channel it and train it.
I'm also going to suggest "NILIF" -- or "Nothing in Life is Free" -- google that phrase and you will find a LOT of help. Essentially what I'm saying is it's not just when he takes something. You have to get ahead of that and train him he gets NOTHING unless you say so.
Not just a toy (his or yours) he's stolen -- but rather even giving you a "sit" to get petted, to get fed, or to go out to the potty.
But you have to be diligent and consistent. It's not something you can do only when he mis-behaves. Because frankly? it's a lack on YOUR part that gives him the opening to BE a thief.
Yes, you will actually have to dog-proof everything -- literally make it impossible for him TO screw up while you are in intense training. But this will allow you to get ahead of the game - you give him something (a toy or a treat) for doing what you WANT, rather than him stealing stuff for attention.
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