[NAGDU] Seeking Advice on Behavioral Issues

Sun Oct 20 15:50:47 UTC 2024

Hi Diann,

The trash cans that have interesting things for dogs in my house all have lids. When I visit my sister her two little dogs eat like that. So, I just take my dog out of that area or we watch while her dogs are eating and tell mine "no" if she goes for it. Of course, she is praised when she leaves it alone. I personally think that it is pretty difficult to ask dogs not to eat out of a dish when it's on the flour. There are techniques you can use to break the habit of jumping up on a table or a counter for food. You can place something on the edge of the count that would make a noise whenever the dog jumps up. I simply give a repremind to let them know that is not acceptable behavior. After that, I don't leave things near the edge of a counter or on a coffee table unattended. They are dogs. Whereas some dogs don't have that urge, others do. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Diane Graves via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, October 20, 2024 8:40 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: rdgraves2007 at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Seeking Advice on Behavioral Issues

Hi All,

Thank you so much for your input. I will definitely check with the vet. I was concerned about correcting her after the fact too wondering, "does she even know why she's in trouble?"

But family members are getting upset as well. My stepdaughter often says "These dogs are taught to cross streets safely, so why can't they be taught to leave food alone that isn't theirs or stay out of the trash?" I don't pretend to know the answer to that either, but want my corrections to make sense.

Izzo also likes to go and eat our other dogs food when it stands unattended. Unfortunately, our pet dog tends to eat more like a cat. He'll pick at it a little bit and then walk away. I've never known another dog to eat like that. Izzo sees this as fair game and, if it isn't put up she'll go for it. A family member can stop her in her tracks, because they can see when she is getting ready to "make the move." I on the other hand don't know that this is happening until I hear her scarfing it down.

Anyway, thanks again. Will definitely schedule an appointment with the vet.

Robin (Diane) Graves
rdgraves2007 at gmail.com
317-238-9262

“TGIF: TODAY GOD IS FIRST.’—OS Hillman

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jody ianuzzi via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, October 20, 2024 9:59 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jody ianuzzi <thunderwalker321 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Seeking Advice on Behavioral Issues

This might seem like a simplistic answer but just don't leave anything on the counter. I always store my bread in the refrigerator because it lasts longer and it's out of reach. If I have any baked goods or anything I store them in the microwave and if I'm defrosting something I leave it on a plate in the cabinet. If If I'm preparing food and I get interrupted by something I always put it in the refrigerator or someplace out of reach. I figure just avoid temptation.  
JODY

To Boldly Go  🖖🏻 

thunderwalker321 at gmail.com 

"What's within you is stronger than what's in your way."  NO BARRIERS  Erik Weihenmayer

> On Oct 19, 2024, at 8:56 PM, Diane Graves via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> 
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