That's Mine, Right?!

                                                

 

I suppose this isn't fair in any respect, never the less, Daisy knows the Ribeye isn't hers. Suppose I had really dropped it on the floor? I have to admit food has hit the floor many times. Does that mean it's "Fair Game" ? What's Murphy's Dog Law? If it is on the floor it must be mine? Well no.

Here is another thing I suppose....if you have a toddler or younger child, you may appreciate your dog's clean up ability.  But that can only lead to future begging and what happens if what you drop is dangerous, such as medicine?

Racing the dog for dropped food on the floor should not be a "Kitchen Sport" or issue. This needs to stop, especially if the dog is exuberantly aggressive with his mouth. You do not want to get bit or even have your dog think he can bite you over the dropped treasure.

So what to do?

Practice.
Set your dog up in a controlled situation to learn not to pounce on anything on the floor.

1. Keep a leash on your dog.
2.  Drop food.
3.  Step between the food and your dog.
4. Use the Marker word "No".
5. Pick up the food.

I suggest you always pick up the food and not let your dog eat it from the floor. That is what we are practicing, right?! Sure you may only be using dog food, popcorn or cheese but this way he knows what to expect. He doesn't get everything he wants.

This practice will help in real world situations. Every Spring, our town has The Maple Festival. After 4 days, the ground is covered in French fries and other Festival tidbits. It is quite a challenge to walk the dog but a simple No stops her wanting everything in sight.


Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070