Training Tip: Leave It!

Leave It


This exercise is valuable in that you can use the command any time Fluffy is getting close to a Forbidden Thing. Choose a very premium item like cooked chicken, a used tissue, (dogs love them!), or a stinky sock. Whatever your dog gets into most. Have him "Down" in front of you.

Now place the Forbidden Object just in front of his paws with one hand over it. When he shows interest in the object, say “Leave It” and move his snout to the side with the non-covering hand. Give him a different treat from the object one, keeping his nose off to the side. Praise the “Good Leave It!”

Slowly remove your hand from the Object. If he goes for it, continue to move his snout, say "Leave It", treat him and praise. What we are looking for here is for him to eye the Object and then turn his head voluntarily. That will show he’s getting it.

Now throw away the Object. The whole purpose of this exercise is to reinforce the idea that when you say "Leave It" you mean forever. He can’t ever think he’ll get the thing.

Don’t spend more than 10 minutes at any one time on this exercise. Practice saying “Leave It” any time Fluffy looks like he’s getting into something he shouldn’t, especially on your walks. He should not be investigating smells, food or wild critters when his attention should be on you. Simply say “Leave It!” and move along, praising the Good Leave It.

Training Tip: Stranger at the Door!

Stranger at the Door

All dogs need jobs. Your dog is trying to tell you that one of his jobs is to guard the castle gates against enemies. This includes salespeople, delivery guys and other dogs. This is actually a good thing, as it has been encouraged in our furry companions since we first let them into our lives eons ago. The problem is, some pups don’t know when to stop. This exercise will help set limits on this behavior.

You will need to have two people to make this one work. If it is a couple from the same home doing it, switch places from time to time so Rex understands the command from both of you.

The first person leaves the house and remains out of sight for about five minutes, so the pooch doesn’t suspect it’s you when the doorbell rings. The other person goes to the farthest corner of the house away from the door, like a bedroom. Have your premium treats ready!

Now the fun begins. When the five minutes is up the person outside will ring the doorbell once. The person inside will allow Rex to bark a few times and then call him back very cheerfully like this: “Rexy, come!” As soon as he appears he gets the treat and lots of praise. Now walk to the door and have your pup sit far enough away so that you can open the door without bumping him. Praise the sit, treat him and open the door. Now, switch places and repeat the exercise. Do this three times each per session to put firmly in his mind.

You can practice this a few times a week until Rex learns that his job is to bark a few times and then come find you. That gives him an outlet for the behavior and a useful job around the house!

Training Tip: Car Trips

When you have a dog in your life, nothing beats taking him places to play and hike. But some pups aren't too thrilled with the prospect of jumping into the hybrid and making for wide open spaces. He may shy away from the car before getting in or act out during the trip. His actions may be the result of general fear of the noise and strangeness of your vehicle or he may have the idea that only bad things happen when he travels in it. (Going to the vet, etc.)

In order to desensitize your dog to car trips, start small and work your way up. When you have time, go through the same routine you would if you were taking him for a walk. Go out to the car and ask him to sit. Bring treats along to help make this positive. It would be best if both of you did this together.

One person will drive while the other one sits with him in the back. Stay happy and talk to him in a friendly voice. Don’t reassure him! That will sound too much like anxiety and your dog will feel wound up again. Both of you have to act like this is the greatest thing you all could be doing. For no reason at all give Rex a treat from time to time.

If he reacts to other dogs or people outside the car, say his name and when he turns to you give him a treat, praising the way he focused on you.

At first, keep the trips very short, around the block. After getting home you may repeat the “door routine”, mentioned in an earlier column. You both get out first, then Rex gets out when you call him. He sits, then goes to the front door. Then sit, you go in, he goes in, sit and you release him.

You need to do this two or three times a week, gradually increasing the length of the trip until he doesn’t display overt anxiety. The point of the exercise is to gradually replace his anxiety with positive thoughts and experiences when dealing with the car.

Don't do this!