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
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers and Success Stories
Angel Mcadams
How to just train her to listen to me period
673 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
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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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