Dogs must learn intrusions are worth putting up with
We started teaching our puppy to accept being disturbed while eating or chewing bones. We were told to put our hand in our dog’s bowl when she eats, taking food away. We are also supposed to take her bones away while she is chewing. This is supposed to prevent her from becoming possessive. Instead, she is now starting to growl. How can we fix this?
Repeatedly bothering a dog by taking things away assumes that they will get accustomed to the intrusions. While some easy dogs may do so, many do the opposite. They start to defend their resources from the onslaught of pestering.
The reaction is similar to one we might have if someone were to repeatedly reach into our wallet. Some families might be used to this practice. Many others would find it upsetting and unacceptable. However, if people reached for our wallets in order to put money in, we likely would start welcoming the practice. If we want our dogs to welcome intrusions, it’s important to follow them with something good. Reach for their bowl or take a bone away. Then, give the dog a high-value treat. With repetition, dogs learn to welcome our actions.
There are a few important rules to this type of exercise. The first is that the food must be given last. Do not show the treat to the dog first. Pick up the bowl or bone, then bring out the treat second.
Failing to follow this order can lead to problems. Some dogs learn that treats predict pestering. They start to loathe the sight of treats. Other dogs learn to only like intrusions if treats are visible. Neither of these are sufficient goals. Give the food last to avoid such issues.
Do fewer repetitions. One or two repetitions of the exercise per meal is sufficient. Too many repetitions will risk pestering the dog.
Next, use high-value food treats. Rare and special food makes a statement. Pay big. Make it special. Drive home the point that intrusions are good.
Finally, if a dog has long-standing or severe resource-guarding issues, get help from a professional. Prevention exercises take liberties because they are meant for small puppies without long-standing or dangerous problems. Dogs with more severe issues need to have this exercise broken into stages. It’s safer and allows the dog to be successful.
Our Kelpie loves to bite at shoelaces, especially when we are in a rush to get out the door. Regardless of how many times we say no, he keeps chasing the laces. How can I stop him from doing this?
No one trains well when distracted and in a rush. Trying to fix this problem when rushed is difficult. Playing with shoelaces is rewarding to dogs because it is fun. Each time they rehearse this behaviour, they are being rewarded with the fun of the game. Until the dog is ready to face a rushed situation at the door, have someone supervise them or put them away.
Teach an alternate skill in a quiet environment first. Train at a time when it is possible to focus on this task. Build up the dog’s ability to ignore a wide variety of distractions, including shoelaces moving about. Do setups that mimic the real world. Sit and put your shoes on while paying the dog for good behaviour.
Once the dog has the skill, then bring it into the real world. Do leave some extra time to solidify skills while preparing to head out the door. Set everyone up for success. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant and Canada’s first tested and certified PCT-A. Write her at advice@awesomedogs.ca