Prevent access: Manage your dog's environment by keeping items they like to steal out of reach. This prevents rehearsal of the unwanted behaviour. Provide alternatives: Offer toys or chews they are allowed to take, so they learn appropriate choices.
This something we will train in class!
Whenever your dog chooses not to go after something tempting, immediately reward them with a treat or praise. The goal is to make “not stealing” a rewarding behaviour.
If your dog does steal something, calmly ask them to come to you. Offer a high-value treat (like chicken or cheese) in exchange for the stolen item. Never chase or punish them, as this can turn the stealing into a game or create anxiety.
We will train this in classes.
Practice and reward with impulse control games. We will go through some of these in class.
Consistency and patience are key, along with lots of praise for making good choices!
