[NAGDU] Seeking Advice on Behavioral Issues

Sun Oct 20 12:45:18 UTC 2024

I agree with this. Change in appetite sends red flag signals. First thing, take him to the vet. If you've never had this done, have them do a senior blood panel along with the regular exam. Also, I would caution against correcting after the fact. He's already gotten his reward by eating the good stuff. Either give him a collar correction when you take whatever it is from his mouth, but don't take him to the counter or the stove and then correct. Also, after removing the food, maybe you could give him a toy or something to show this is acceptable. Tie down while you're working in the kitchen is good as well. Put things on the counter high up. I had a dog like this, smartest guide dog I've ever known, but she was so smart, at home she was constantly getting into things. I learned dog proofing to a degree I never had to use before or since. My current guide, Shani will completely ignore some food of mine on an end table, even if I walk to a different room. Of course, that doesn't mean that she won't someday start behaving out of control by grabbing things, so I'm ever watchful. Good luck, and let us know how things go. I think you have to start by not leaving things at dog level from now on.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of paula jordan via NAGDU
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2024 6:14 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: paujor at roadrunner.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Seeking Advice on Behavioral Issues

Hi. I Maybe off base here, but have you talked to your vet.  It sounds like she is very hungry and there could be a medical issue causing that extreme hunger. .  As for the behavior, I have a counter surfer, so when I get ready to cook or am working with food I put him on a tie down where he can still see me, but can't get to the food.  I think this is a hard one to deal with, because by the time you find out he's gotten something he's gotten his treat/reward.  Good luck and do talk to your vet.
God bless!
Paula and the pups

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Diane Graves via NAGDU
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2024 8:55 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: rdgraves2007 at gmail.com
Subject: [NAGDU] Seeking Advice on Behavioral Issues

Good Evening all,

I hope you all are doing great!

I also hope some of the  seasoned guide dog users can give me some advice on how to curve some behavioral issues which have recently surfaced in my Izzo.
Izzo and I have been together for almost 7 and ½ years now. She has always been a major "sniffer," and she couldn't be trusted to keep away from food that was on her level. If it falls to the floor, it is fair game. Of course, you're asking for trouble if you place a sandwich on a coffee table and turn your back for a second. This is understandable.

Very recently though she has taken to grabbing food off the kitchen counter.
The other day I had a roll of sausage on the counter preparing to make breakfast. The next thing I knew a family member advised that she had the sausage and was going to town eating it. She has never done this before.

I questioned myself, as there is a very slim possibility that I knocked the sausage roll off of the counter when I was wiping off the stove in preparation. I don't believe that I did; I think I would have felt the impact. But, I thought it was a possibility. I took the remainder of the sausage from her, brought her  back to the counter and gave her a stern leash correction. I then put her on tiedown for a couple of hours.

Later that same day, after she had been released, I was advised that she had gotten ahold of a partial loaf of bread, which I am certain was on the kitchen counter. Luckily there were only a few slices, but I am puzzled as to why, after all of this time, she has started doing this. 

Fast forward to today. She was caught eating peanut butter off of a mouse trap. Are there any thoughts or suggestions as to how to correct this problem? I am beside myself, and it makes me feel bad to keep being so stern with her. But this behavior is not acceptable.

It's really strange, because, other than the above behaviors, she is acting normally. She is still eager to go to work, and travels our daily routs as she normally would. I would really appreciate any advice.  

Robin (Diane) Graves

rdgraves2007 at gmail.com <mailto:rdgraves2007 at gmail.com> 

317-238-9262

"TGIF: TODAY GOD IS FIRST.'-OS Hillman

_______________________________________________
NAGDU mailing list
NAGDU at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/paujor%40roadrunner.com

_______________________________________________
NAGDU mailing list
NAGDU at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/sherry.gomes%40outlook.com