Dear Alternative Canine Training this is my puppies’ criminal record: Aug 7th my dog stole my brand new expensive outfit and destroyed it. On Aug 10TH we had set out marinated pork chops all ready for the barbecue. When my husband came in to get them they were gone. Now he is mad at me. My dog is constantly stealing food, socks, paper, shoes, just about anything that isn’t locked up. The barbeque was the final icing on the cake. What can I do to stop my kleptomaniac?

For dogs and kids a great way to get our attention is to break the rules and drive you crazy. After all negative attention is better than no attention. Did you know that some dog will bark obsessively as soon as the owner gets on the phone. Dogs and kids feel the vulnerability of their parents and their owners. They enjoy torturing them and never saying thanks for the discipline. As a child I remember whenever, my mom was on the phone; I would get into things or always have a question to ask. In reality her being on the phone meant that she was not paying attention to the most important thing on earth, which of course was me. Besides I had learned that I could also do anything that I wanted as she couldn’t do anything about it.

Your case reminds us of a similar dog we worked with last year. Cassie, a Golden that was so cleaver that as a thief, she knew exactly what to steal in order to get the most entertainment. The family consisted of Mom, two sons and Cassie. If the one Son, Jeffery was home she would only steal Jeffery’s stuff and when the other son, George came home than she would steal only George’s stuff. After all Jeffery could careless if Cassie stole George’s priced possessions. Once the objects were stolen, than the best game of catch me if you can would begin. What more fun can a dog ask for?

The problem with both of our thieves is the simple lack of not meeting their three major needs. As stated in our previous article this is Physical, Mental and social. If either of our Bonnie and Clyde, had been exercised physically, been made to do some simple obedience; than we would want them to join our social pack. However; if you have not accomplished the prior two; than like thieves in our society, whom we lock away for our protection. Our furry Bonnie and Clyde, will probably spend more time in their kennel or backyard, than enjoying the freedom of being loose with us in the house.

By establishing structures and the rules and regulation in which your dog must live with allows them to find out how to get your attention in a positive way. Teenagers might not admit it, but when they are given curfews or told that they can not go to this wild party; deep down they know that Mom and Dad care. They might not be happy, but it gives them a sense of belonging to a family. Another words a pack.

To help rehabilitate our convict we must also teach them what is their toys and what is not. As in getting them to stop chewing things, for stealing we need to get several sets of toys. These toys must be items that your dog enjoys chewing or carry around. Do not give them things that are similar to your own possessions. Dogs will not know the difference between your old shoe and a brand new one. An old sock tied in a knot as a

toy, leads them to think that they can steal them out of your laundry basket. Make your processions very undesirable by spraying them with one of the chew deterrents on the market. Have your puppies toys around if and if they go towards your items instantly clap your hands stepping forward into your dogs space and when the puppy stops immediately show them their toy and than praise. This will help teach them is yes what is no.

Some dogs have the special interest in things that have a strong pungent aroma. In contrast to humans, dog’s like things that have a strong scent. That is why they go out and find the clothes basket with the dirty socks and undergarments, or check out the cats liter box or play and roll in dead fish. So all kinds of pleasant smelly things, are a dogs euphoria. So how to stop your dog from what is very natural. Naturally let the environment correct them. Spray your things with one of the biter products on the market, and set your dog up. Leave the sock on the floor and when your dogs come to confiscate your sock, he sure will have a surprise.

Now for our food thieves who can steal our dinner in the blink of an eye, You need to get your dogs to respect you. Because, a food stealer gets instant gratification stealing and eating your food; all the corrections after the fact are irrelevant. While you are yelling at Rover, he is thinking Marinated pork chops sure taste good and I wonder if you have any more. You will probably need to set up a burglar system. A trap with food laced with bitter apple and a video camera to monitor your thief. As soon as you see your pick pocket goes to steal, you suddenly appear and with some consequences. Whether it is clapping, shaking can, spraying water, ultrasonic or whatever will work, based on your dogs temperament.

This article reflects the research from the best information found in Internet articles and from books, but does not reflect Vladae’s proprietary methods. Please visit our dog training resource center to discover the Dog Wizard’s methods.

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