dogs and wolfs

[Hellas]

Picking up stuff he shouldn't when out on walks is very common behaviour. Puppies explore with their mouths. However, grabbing stuff out of their mouths can be counterproductive and dangerous. The puppy thinks that you want the item really badly and is highly likely to swallow it, or swallow quicker next time. You therefore need to be very vigilant on walks and scan the ground around for anything unsuitable that you know he likes. My pugs both went crazy for discarded kleenex. If you see the item before he does then (assuming he is on leash) you just steer him away from it. If he gets hold of the item then you need to get him to drop it. Drop training takes a while. Your best bet is always to carry around really good treats. If the pup has something in his mouth and you get out a nice treat, chances are he will drop the item. This will form part of the drop it training; as he drops you give the drop command and immediately pop the treat into his mouth. Only grab something out of his mouth if you absolutely HAVE to, and be prepared for a bite.

If your potty training method of putting him in the yard on his own but where he can still see you through theglass is working then I see no reason not to carry it on.

I agree with Snifter. Teaching the dog to drop things from it's mouth by trading it for a treat works great with most dogs.

Once you have taught the puppy the command 'no', you can use it for prevention when you see the dog going for something on the ground. If the dog stops, immediately reward, so he knows that it pays to listen to the word 'no' by stopping what he was going to do.

[eliman]

thank you very much ! iam so happy that i dont have to stop it because it seems to working great that way. now for lifting up things i tried the treets , but so far doesnt seems to work! so i have to be petient . iam just worry if he grabs something dangerous.thanks again . i think i saw a book for pugs in a pet shop. i 'll go get it when its possible.

[Snifter]

Make sure the treats are really good because they have to be better than the exciting new thing he has just picked up in his mouth. Tiny cubes of cheese (not Feta - too salty) are usually good, or some small pieces of chicken. Alternatively carry a small toy or two in your pocket. If he picks something up "accidentally" drop the toy and see if he will drop it and go for the toy. Or squeak the toy and pretend to play with it - he will want to join in the game and will likely drop the item.