Golden Retriever Training: Dealing With Dogs That Steal
There are many bad behaviors appropriate golden retriever training can prevent. These behaviors include but not limited to barking, digging and jumping. But can training treat your dog’s stealing habit? Certainly it can! As long as you fully understand the fundamental obedience commands and how to use them correctly, getting rid of your pet’s undesirable habit isn’t unattainable.
To train your pet to get rid of this unpleasant habit, there are some important points to consider. Here are a few:
Train him the basic obedience.
There are various basic obedience commands you can use to help stop the problem. These commands can even prevent such problems from developing in the first place. Teaching commands like “leave it”, “no” and “drop it” offers you better opportunity to control your dog in various situations. So if you catch your pet in the act of stealing your best running shoes, asking him to “leave it” or “drop it” will certainly make him leave or drop the item without the need to pursue him around the house and play-tug-of-war in order to get what he took.
Supervise your pet constantly.
For you to catch your dog in the act of stealing and correct him using the above-mentioned commands, you obviously have to supervise him constantly. Like for instance if you caught him in the act of stealing a few pieces of grapes your kid forgot in the family room table, immediately use the commands described above. With constant supervision in addition to determination, it will only take a few days for him to figure out that stealing isn’t a desirable habit.
Provide adequate exercise and enjoyable training sessions.
A bored pet is more likely to steal stuff, valuable or not, to nibble or play with them. But if enough exercise and enjoyable golden retriever training activities are provided, your furry friend will never become bored hence wouldn’t need to hunt for something to keep him entertained. Providing interactive dog toys is also advisable.
Give rewards.
Acknowledge good behavior by giving him rewards. This in turn will motivate your pet to show that same behavior he is being rewarded for. Reward your golden retriever training for remaining calm even though there is food around or for not stealing your shoes or socks when you leave them behind so that he’ll soon learn that doing those things can make him gain rewards, be it food treats or your attention.
Dogs are easily drawn to items that has connected with their humans. A dog can determine whether or not that certain item belongs to whom through scenting. Hence if your four-legged friend starts to steal, be it food or personal belongings, it’s crucial to treat the problem early on before it gets worse.

