[nagdu] Scavenging and Sniffing

Wed Oct 9 15:56:07 UTC 2013

I think I've said this awhile ago on this list or another, but I
really think schools should incorporate the "leave it" cue into the
obedience routines. In my opinion, practicing "leave it" is just as
important as practicing the "sit-stay" and "down-stay."
There are two ways I will discuss that you can use to curb this
behavior. One of them involves using leash corrections, the other does
not. I am all about positive training methods, so I always use and
highly recommend the method without leash corrections, but I like to
offer comprehensive advice since every dog/handler team is not the
same.
For the first method, choose an area with no distractions, preferably
somewhere in your home or wherever you live. Be sure to have your
clicker in hand, and treats nearby, or a toy if you don't use treats.
Start by holding food in your fist. Hold your fist out or down on the
floor. Your dog will of course sniff and paw at your hand. The moment
your dog stops, click and treat. Obviously, treat your dog with
something other than what is in your fist, preferably a high-value
treat. Do this 3 to five times, then start introducing the cue "leave
it" as soon as your dog stops going after the food in your fist. So
the moment your dog ignores the food, say "leave it," then give a food
reward.
When your dog starts obeying the cue reliably, which would be about 8
or 9 times out of 10, progress to putting food on the floor or table
and cover it with your hand. Again, your dog will start sniffing and
pawing at your hand, so repeat the same process you used when the food
was in your fist.
When your dog is reliably obeying the "leave it" cue in this
situation, progress to putting food on the ground five to seven feet
in front of you and your dog. The food can be people food such as
peanuts or fruit or whatever. Have your dog on a short leash, and
start heeling your dog toward the food. The moment your dog tries to
go for it, stop moving toward the food. When your dog stops trying to
pull or go for the food, praise and reward. Again, do this several
times until the behavior is reliable. Now you progress by simply
moving the food closer and closer to your dog until you can have the
food right in front of your dog, in their line of sight, and they
don't go for it, or quickly obey the "leave it" cue if they do.
If at any time, your dog is not obeying the "leave it" cue reliably or
will not ignore the food for an offered treat or toy, go back to the
previous step.
If you use a toy during your training  sessions rather than food,
allow the dog to play with the toy for a bit. Then resume training.
Take this practice to a different room, then to the back or front
yard, practice it when your out at the park, or at a restaurant.
This might seem like a lot, and it might take a long time depending on
the dog, but it will work if you stay on top of it and are consistent.
This positive method is all about allowing your dog to make a choice,
and teaching them that obeying you is the right choice and that good
things will come when they do obey you. This should not involve any
pressure or frustration toward your dog. If it starts feeling
frustrating, then it is time to stop. Your dog will pick up on the
frustration, and you don't want frustration associated with the "leave
it" cue. You want your dog to associate it with positive things such
as praise, play, or treats.
The more punishment-oriented solution is to do these same practice
sessions, except you give a leash correction if the dog goes for food.
A leash correction has to be delivered as soon as the dog initiates
the behavior, not after the behavior has been done. Correcting with
the leash for going after food will create a negative association with
this behavior, and it may or may not extinct the behavior. Some dogs
need a harsher punishment than others.
I train dogs using the positive method, so I know that it works from
personal experience. If anything was confusing, feel free to ask
questions. This is such a routine thing for me that it was really hard
to sit here and break it down into written steps.

On 10/9/13, Larry D. Keeler <lkeeler at comcast.net> wrote:
> Keepping on correcting! All dogs are somewhat nosy! If lots of dogs frequent
>
> the area you might have a tough time! You can also call Leader for other
> ideas!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Alyssa" <alyssahenson95 at gmail.com>
> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 9:58 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] Scavenging and Sniffing
>
>
>> Hello all! I got my dog Sophie from Leader Dogs in July. She is my first
>> dog and I'm having problems with her nose always being on the ground. She
>>
>> does great work, but if she sees something on the ground, she dives for it
>>
>> and won't listen to me even with leash corrections until they've been done
>>
>> at least 3 times. Is this normal for a new dog? Is there something I
>> should do differently?
>> Thanks
>> Alyssa and Sophie
>> Sent from my iPhone
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-- 
Raven