Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I have a somewhat similar problem with my bischon poo, who recently started jumping on the chair next to the table and eating the cat's food. And, there is no where else I can put the food, so the cat can eat it and the dogs will not ! And to make it worse, the cat's food has thyroid medication in it, needed by the cat. I want to scare the dog away, but not the cat. What to do???
Yes that's a tricky one with a small dog.
I have clients that have a gate with a small pet door opening but a dog your size can probably sneak through it.
Someone suggested that I update this thread, so here goes.
I didn't have the money for a scat mat, as I had to save up to move to my new apt. What I did was I either took Jackie into the bathroom with me, if I took a bath, etc., or I'd actually put a wide piece of tape across the cupboard where the garbage can was, when I'd be leaving. I used to ship things for a business, and had some really wide clear tape, and I'd put some across the cupboards under the kitchen sink.
So, basically, I haven't really trained her not to do this LOL! I have just made it difficult for her to misbehave.
She will also get into any food in the car, if I leave her in the car. So, any groceries, etc., must be put into the trunk while I run around and leave her in the car.
So, I have not trained her to not get into food when I'm not looking, and I decided to not spend the money on the scat mat, because she's too darn smart. The first time I leave it off, etc., she'd be all up in the food again.
Anyway, for anyone who wondered how this worked out - I basically caved LOL! I just don't give her the chance to get into food right now. I did buy some mouse traps, but was afraid she might get hurt by them, and I'd have to then pay a vet bill and have the vet look at me like I'm evil, so haven't gone there.
Well when she good ...even tho you blocked her... I give her a treat.. Tell her how good she is when your not there. As said she smart! Awarding Good Behavior Even IF your making sure she Cant be bad IS what Training is about!
Well when she good ...even tho you blocked her... I give her a treat.. Tell her how good she is when your not there. As said she smart! Awarding Good Behavior Even IF your making sure she Cant be bad IS what Training is about!
Good advice. I do this, but not consistently. Good reminder.
Years ago I trained a dog to stay away with upside down mouse traps. If the dog steps on them they still go off but no one gets hurt. Its a pain to set them that way but with a bit of practice you will get it.
Since she rewarded herself for table surfing she not going to stop. At this point you wouldn't be able to trust her. With service dogs they have to learn from puppies Not to eat unless told.
Yes, being able to find food on the table is self-rewarding, but you absolutely can train an older dog to reliably leave food alone whether on a coffee table, dining table, floor, etc.
It is relatively easy to teach impulse control, but it does take time and consistency.
Sue Ailsby's Training Levels works well. This is a progressive set of comprehensive increasing difficult contextual exercises designed to be a holistic training program with an emphasis on impulse control.
Very gentle program- teaches the dog to think and make a good choice- solid program.
All of my dogs have been trained using variations on this program. As a result of this training, they will sit with a hunk of raw meat in front of them and not touch it- ever, they do not counter-surf, and do not "thieve" anything left out when I am out- ever.
Here is Sue's website introduction to the program, scroll down for Level One: Introduction
I would not use the scat mat or the mouse-trap.
Take the time to train your dog right- teach your dog what you want it to do and to make smart choices.
Snapping the feet and causing shocks doesn't teach the dog anything other than to be afraid.
LMAO! Runs With Scissors, I love your photos! Rat terriers for life!
Took Jackie for a drive today to check out Brookings, OR - the closest big town to where I moved. When we got back to my town, I took her to check out a beach that I was told I could let her off leash. We found it and she loved it & promptly found something dead to roll in and got really stinky and wouldn't respond to "Come" until she thoroughly saturated herself in stink.
She finally came back and did the laying on her back, looking guilty routine until I quit scolding her. I have also learned to keep lots of big containers of perfumed wipes in the car - for just this reason.
Does Jackie know "come"? And does she normally come on command? Yes!
But, does she decide it's worth the lecture to continue to roll in something stinky, which may be her favorite thing to do in the world? YES!
She's such a brat. But, I love her. I's actually part of why I do love her. I love that she's smart and not a wimpy scaredy cat. C'est la vie.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
