Thursday, May 17, 2007
How to stop your dog rolling in muck
The first thing to know is that it is a completely natural thing for him/her to do! What they are doing is masking their own scent so that they are better able to hunt undetected! It is a throw back to their wolf days.
Next... you don't want them to do it!?!
If they are 'regular offenders' your best option is to try to break them of the habit by stopping it happening. So keep them on a lead when out walking so that they cannot access any muck. Keep treats in your pocket and if you see any muck in your path keep a tight hand on the lead, and offer a treat to distract them. When they begin to ignore the muck and pay attention to you instead, then you are beginning to make progress.
When they are next let off the lead call them back to you regularly, talk to them in a soft voice, play with them, and give them treats when they obey your commands. You need to be the centre of their attention, they need to want to come back to you because it is fun! The recall is one of the most important things they can learn... both for keeping them away from muck, and other problems, and for the sake of safety.
If this is a new vice for them, then when you see them 'about to' commit the crime - say ah-ah in a loud and extremely harsh voice. Hopefully, this will distract them. Then recall them to you and give them a treat for returning. You will need to be alert to what they are doing at all times.
It is far easier to stop a bad habit from forming than to correct it once formed!
Next... you don't want them to do it!?!
If they are 'regular offenders' your best option is to try to break them of the habit by stopping it happening. So keep them on a lead when out walking so that they cannot access any muck. Keep treats in your pocket and if you see any muck in your path keep a tight hand on the lead, and offer a treat to distract them. When they begin to ignore the muck and pay attention to you instead, then you are beginning to make progress.
When they are next let off the lead call them back to you regularly, talk to them in a soft voice, play with them, and give them treats when they obey your commands. You need to be the centre of their attention, they need to want to come back to you because it is fun! The recall is one of the most important things they can learn... both for keeping them away from muck, and other problems, and for the sake of safety.
If this is a new vice for them, then when you see them 'about to' commit the crime - say ah-ah in a loud and extremely harsh voice. Hopefully, this will distract them. Then recall them to you and give them a treat for returning. You will need to be alert to what they are doing at all times.
It is far easier to stop a bad habit from forming than to correct it once formed!
Labels: bad habits, harsh voice, rolling in muck
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