doggie

Question
Hi,
My dog, Ozzie, is 10 months old which i still believe that he is a puppy. he has been in a phase where he takes slippers, coasters pappers off the table, napkins, cell phones, he recently spilled red juice on the carpet while trying to take a coaster from under a cup. he basicly takes anythings he can get his mouth on. after he takes the item he runs around the house and wants to play. although i understand that he needs attention and wants to play (we do give him plenty of attention and play with him often) i dont like him taking other items trying to play with them. is this just normal puppy behavior and he will grow out of it?? or do you have any tips on how to train him to just leave the items alone and play with his toys?

Thanks,
Melissa

Answer
Yes this is normal puppy behavior but will become a habit that it will not grow out of unless you take specific action to teach the dog what is acceptable and what isn't.  I would suggest purchasing a good training book or booklet that will fit your desired training approach.  Here is an excerpt from a previous answer dealing with this type of behavior.


--  Now place yourself and the dog in a situation that will create the behavior of mouthing something its not suppose to.  AS the mouths the item assert yourself by using the short "a" sound "AAAAAAAH" in a loud, firm, strong voice.  This will generally startle or distract the dog enough that it stops the mouthing behavior. Reward immediately with a strong firm vocal praise (do not coddle) accompanied by pats and rubs on the chest and sides.  Do not stroke down the back or pat on top the head.  This entire process should take no more than 2 seconds with praise continuing for another 2 or 3 seconds.  Now repeat the process.  You are looking for no less than 15 reps in 3 to 5 minutes.
When the dog quits mouthing on its own then open its mouth and place the item inside its mouth and continue the process.  After a few reps the dog will not even want the item in its mouth but continue with putting the item against its lips and teeth until you get the 15 reps or more.  It is important to understand that we are accomplishing two things here.  One; we are extinguishing the mouthing behavior simply by making the dog uncomfortable with the "AAAAAAH" when it exhibits it.  Two; we are teaching that not taking the item in its mouth brings reward and praise.  The important factors are the sequence and timing of this exercise.  It needs to be quick, less than 2 seconds and the praise/reward needs to follow the desired behavior (not mouthing) within 1/2 of 1 second or nearly simultaneously.  If you want to use treats as a reward you will need to use them in a follow up with the vocal praise.   Here is how the ONE, TWO, GOOD DOG! protocol fits this process.  The "AAAAAAH" causing the dog to quit mouthing the item (ONE), The dog quitting the mouthing or refusing to mouth(TWO), and the praise/reward (GOOD DOG!)----

My booklet will further address this and many other behavior problems and training situation:
http://invincibleservices.com/html/one__two_good_dog_.html
Remember I volunteer at this site to help dog owners and receive no compensation whatsoever.

Here is my phone number if this is not clear.  Dr. Hogan 509-991-0385 until 10pm