How to Train Your Dog to Not Eat Off the Ground
Introduction
How much trouble can your dog get himself into?
Quite a lot, as it happens. When your hungry hound chows down on garbage in the park, then 'garbage gut' is often the unpleasant consequence. And that's the good scenario! All sorts of dangers await the unwary, from rat poison to cocoa mulch, from daffodil bulbs to stones, a pet parent must protect their dog from himself.
The answer to this problem is training, but you need to be realistic about how long this takes. If your dog is a danger to himself while he's learning, then consider using a muzzle while out on walks so that he's physically unable to eat things he shouldn't. Then once your commands are rock solid, ditch the muzzle.
Defining Tasks
Training the dog to not eat off the ground involves a command that immediately focuses his attention away from the object. This could be 'Leave it', where he physically leaves the object, 'Drop it', which goes a step further and has the dog drop something out of his mouth, or a strong recall which has him move away from the danger.
Success depends on regular training so that the dog doesn't hesitate to obey, even when faced with the tastiest of finds on the ground. Dogs that aren't food-obsessed tend to learn this lesson more quickly than those with a bottomless pit for a stomach...but stick with it, you will get there in the end and it could save your dog's life.
Getting Started
Whichever method you decide to teach (Why not learn all three?) you'll need:
- Ultra-tasty, high-value treats
- Less tasty, low-value treats
- Two identical toys or balls
- A long line or leash
- Start your training in a quiet room without distractions. Aim for two or three, five to ten-minute session each day. As the dog gets the hang of things, vary the location and then ultimately go outdoors.
As with so many commands, the dog learns fastest when he is a puppy. However, dogs of all ages will and do learn, so it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.
The "Leave It" Method
The "Drop It" Method
The Strong Recall Method
Written by Amy Caldwell
Published: 09/21/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
More articles by Amy Caldwell
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Angel Mcadams
How to just train her to listen to me period
906 Dog owners recommended
Hello Shelley, Check out the article linked below. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-doberman-to-listen-to-you If the issue is not understanding, pay special attention to the obedience and consistency methods. If pup knows commands well but lacks respect, pay special attention to the working and consistency methods. Be sure that pup knows some commands really well, that you can also use to communicate what you want to pup, such as Down, Leave It, Come, Watch Me, ect... Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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My dog is learning everything pretty well, and he’s great at listening inside the house but outside he doesn’t even glance when I call his name. I also struggle to get him to drop things when he started randomly chewing on things like paper.
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She was mistreated as a puppy, and had to have some of the toes from her back feet amputated. Also she lost the flexibility in the last joint of her hind feet, so walking is difficult for her. I'd like to train her to do things like come to me, but I'm never sure if she is being lazy/obstinate or she is not obeying because it is painful for her
906 Dog owners recommended
Hello Steven, Check out the article linked below. I would start with the fun method like Round Robin or Run Away method first - Those methods should help motivate pup to want to come, so that you can better gauge if she just doesn't want to come or is in pain so won't come. If you discover that pup comes really well when motivated by food, then pup may be avoiding coming because they simply don't want to. Pay attention to body language also though. Does pup look in pain? If pup doesn't appear to be in pain but simply chooses not to come because they prefer to do something else, you can also use the Reel In method linked below to practice around distractions. Keep an eye on pup's body language for signs of pain in general. It might also be worth checking with your vet. If pain is suspected your vet may be able to help with managing it. I am not a vet. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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My dog is a scavenger, especially in my kitchen, under the dining room table, etc. If I catch her in the act fast enough - before she picks up food - she'll respond to "leave it." But she's fast and will grab before I can say it. Also I catch her after the fact chewing something she found. If I say No or bad dog she gets upset - I don't think she's making the connection - and continues to do it.
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Hello Carolyn, I recommend working on leave it more, but transitioning into it being an automatic command. Practice having pup leave treats and food alone that you drop on the floor - rewarding pup with a different treat (never the one dropped) when they obey, and being ready to block her from eating the dropped food if she tries via covering it with your foot, stepping in front of it, or having her on a leash. Gradually work up to being able to set a plate of food down and have her walk past it without touching. Once her Leave It skills are good, practice the same routine but don't say Leave It, simply be ready to cover the food, wait until she backs off of it, then reward when she not only isn't trying to get the food but also isn't looking at it or waiting to get it. Work up to her being able to leave human food dropped in this way, and her prevented from getting it each practice, if she tries to go for it, until she can consistently leave randomly dropped items alone. Be sure to only use safe items just in case she managed to get something. I would also create some booby traps, leaving dog safe human food items intentionally around but making them taste really bad, such as a bagel soaked in white vinegar or lemon juice if she dislikes the sour flavor - most dogs hate it but an occasional dog doesn't mind it. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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