Are you fuelling your dog's stealing habits?
Let’s say it how it is…I’m mainly talking about the Spaniels right now!
Typically, the motivation behind stealing socks, tea towels, and anything else that isn’t bolted down, is NOT about the item itself.
The motivation for most dogs…is OUR RESPONSE.
A thrilling game of chase or a beeline straight to the treat jar are usually top of the list!
Either way, stealing items stops us being busy and ignoring them, and diverts ALL our attention to them.
The crazy thing is, when I chat to my clients about their dog’s stealing, they all know exactly WHY their dogs are doing it, but we just can’t help ourselves...we MUST respond to the stealing dog!
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."
(Albert Einstein)
If you have an attention-driven thief in your home, here are some things to think about…
Why are they so desperate for your attention?
Are they getting the right amount and TYPE of physical AND mental exercise to satisfy them, or are they using stealing as a way of trying to fulfill some unmet needs?
Do they have alternative independent activities available to them?
One or two rubber toys are not what I’m talking about. I mean constant access to a massive box of body parts! Cows hooves, antlers, horns, coffee wood, marrow bones etc. Go see our good friends at the Heart of Raw to get stocked up! They need an attractive option available to them that isn’t dependent on us.
Are they getting enough sleep?
Just like we need our 8 hours, puppies need around 16-18 hours, and adults around 14-16 hours. A lack of sleep will turn their brains to mush.
Do they have too much unmanaged access around the home?
Remember what Einstein said! If we continue to put our dogs in the exact environment that triggers a behaviour, i.e. the sight of a tea towel = stealing = game of chase, then we’re going to continue to get the same response.
If your interactions are the thing maintaining and strengthening the behaviour, it makes sense to break this cycle and stop interacting with them!
When you clock your dog has pinched something, get up and make a cuppa, go hang the washing out, go do anything EXCEPT interact with them. If you stay in one place continuing with what you’re doing, they are more likely to lay down and chew. If you move around, chances are they’ll follow and wonder why you are no longer behaving like their stolen item is your biggest treasure!
Get EVERYONE at home on board, give it a try and let me know how you get on!
Need some help with your dog?
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)
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