The one thing we MUST stop doing with our puppies…

There’s one thing I see dog owners doing all the time and it’s something we really need to stop.

Whether it’s a toy, a sock, or a random treasure they’ve found, we need to stop taking things out of our puppy’s mouth.

Rushing over to retrieve the item is a natural response that can be hard for us to stop, but continuing to do it is going to create big problems.

You might think it’s no big deal because opening a puppy’s mouth and removing an item is generally pretty easy. They don't really seem to object too much when they are young…but here’s what you’re teaching them for the future...

1. They should avoid you at all costs and run away when they have something.  

That means you won’t be able to enjoy playing retrieving games, you’ll have no recall if they find a stick or ball on their walk, and if they pick up something dangerous you won’t stand a chance of getting it off them. 

2. That stealing random items is a great way of instigating a fun game and getting your full attention.

3. Some dogs will start swallowing things to avoid losing them, so you’ll soon be on first name terms with the vets!

4. Others will start guarding possessions using aggression. 

This would start with lower-level communication such as a hard stare, a freeze, and maybe a growl, and when you don’t respond to this as you should, they’ll have no option but to escalate their communication to a warning snap which will likely one day turn into a bite. 

Our Gundog breeds are bred to care about possessions so they are even more likely to develop these problems if not handled correctly when they’re young. 

Here's what you should be doing instead...

1. Puppy-proof like a pro

Only give them access to safe spaces so if they pick something up, you don’t need to panic.  Exploring the world with their mouths is normal which is why it's so important we are not giving them free rein of the house and garden.  They don’t need to learn to not explore with their mouths it will stop naturally as long as you don’t create the habit of taking things off them. 

2. Build good chewing and resting habits

Give them access to a variety of long-lasting, interesting chews.  Not just rubber teething toys.  Head to your local raw food shop and grab some natural chews and replenish their box frequently to keep them interested.

3. Show them you will ALWAYS be happy whenever they have ANYTHING in their mouth

If they bring something to you (even your super expensive designer sunglasses), show them how completely amazing they are while you ignore the item entirely. Lots of loves and bum scratches!

4. Have an emergency strategy

Human error happens and at some point your puppy will pick up something you're worried about no matter how careful you are. Don’t panic and rush to them. Very excitedly head to the kitchen with your best "oh I'm about to discover something truly amazing!" voice, drop a handful of high-value food onto the floor, and calmly pick up the item while they’re eating.

If you use this strategy once in a blue moon for emergencies only, you will be able to keep your puppy safe without creating problems. If you use it frequently you'll end up with a habitual thief.

The goal with a puppy is always to build trust around possessions so they don’t feel the need to guard or avoid us. 

If you have a puppy you'd like support with so you start off on the right track, or maybe you've already made some of these mistakes with your puppy in the past...you can book a free chat in here.

---

Liz Whelan GTA-AD 020 ABTC-ATI

Owner of DogScentric

Accredited Instructor with the Gundog Trainers Academy (GTA-AD 020)

Accredited Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC (ABTC-ATI)

FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training (Hull University)