mischief

Question
I have a 3yr old Lab we rescued from a shelter, his previous owners had no time for him so he needed a lot of training, he picks commands up fast. My concern is he takes things, be it pillows, clothes, towels, he does it while we're right there. What is the proper way to correct him ?

Answer
Don't "correct" him.  Teach him to "trade".  When he takes something, go to the cookie jar and get a treat - show it to him, and as he drops the towel, or sock, to get the cookie, say "trade".  He may not stop taking your stuff, but if he learns to bring it to you for a treat, instead of chewing it up or swallowing it and costing you a few grand for obstruction surgery, that's better, right?  Chasing only makes him think the "prize" is more valuable, and he may swallow.  Plus, with two legs, you'll never catch him - he has four:-)))  Also, you can give him something to carry around that IS appropriate.  Labs do tend to like having something in their mouths after all.