Has your dog ever stolen food from your table or cabinets? Have they ever gone through the trash? If that’s the case, you must be wondering why your dog does this. In addition to food, dogs can also steal toys, clothes, and other objects around the house. This bad habit is related to their temperament and education. If you are confronted with a dog that steals, there are a few ways to prevent this. We’ll provide some helpful advice in this article.
Why does my dog steal?
For almost all pet owners, a pet that is used to jumping on the counters or the table to grab food is really irritating. It is even more bothersome when in the middle of cooking. This behavior can be explained, above all, by the pet’s playfulness and greed. They know perfectly well that they can find food on the table and counters in the kitchen.
For them, when food is left on the table, it is a real temptation. Some dogs think that stealing food or objects that you are holding is a way to play or grab your attention. If you give in to this, they will have enjoy it and want to do it again as soon as the occasion presents itself. However, dogs only steal by reflex. For example, they can get in the habit of accumulating objects in their bed. However, this behavior can also be due to a lack of activity or stimulation.
What do I need to do for my dog to not steal any more food?
If your dog steals food, it is important to make sure they eat enough every day. This is so that they do not feel tempted to steal food or leftovers that are on the table or on the counter of the kitchen. For example, if they only eat once a day, try to feed them in the morning and the evening instead. The majority of dogs like filling their stomach. When we do not give them the nutritional intake that they need, they will search to fulfill this need by stealing food.
You should also pay particular attention to the quality of the food that you give your pet every day. It is best to give them food that is rich in nutrients. You can also vary the food to ensure that they are fully satiated at the end of the meal.
Also, you should not leave out the kibble bowls. The goal of this is to teach your furry companion that being hungry does not mean that they can eat whenever they like. It is also important to not leave food under your dog’s nose, seeing as it is difficult, nearly impossible, for them to resist. This helps you avoid tempting them and frustrating them when you forbid them from eating.
In your household, you need to stop giving your dog food at the table. While you may just be giving your dog a small piece of cheese, they will think that everything that you eat at the table is for them as well. If you are used to giving your dog your leftovers, it’s better to put the food aside, then put it in their food bowl while you are eating. Do not punish them when they steal food or other belongings while you are away. They will certainly not understand why you are acting in this way. Keep in mind that not all dogs have the notion of good and bad.
Good practices to prevent your dog from stealing objects
If you notice that your dog steals particular objects, get in the habit of hiding them or putting them on the side of another object that they dislike, for example. It is also possible to opt for natural repellants that are non-toxic such as white vinegar, citrus fruits, essential oils, garlic, lemons, and lemongrass, washing powder, pepper and mustard. These repellants are very useful when it comes to keeping your dog away from rooms and the garbage.
No matter what, a dog that steals is in most cases bored. They get into this bad habit to distract themselves or so that you will take care of them. In this case, it is best to spend more time with your dog. Play often with them and increase the amount of walks because they need it.
How do you educate a dog that has a habit of stealing?
As soon as your dog approaches a food or object, you need to tell them “no” firmly and repetitively. The goal is to make them understand that the food or object is not for them, Once they understand this message by stepping back immediately or turning their head, reward them warmly with a treat. If they do not resist and walk towards the food or object they want, be more firm. Give them a command by asking them to sit or lie down.
If your dog steals an object, act as if the act goes unnoticed. Take back the object after, once it is out of their view. Keep in mind that you should not get into their game by following them or giving them attention. This could risk comforting them in the idea that it is a game. In the same way, do not get tempted to take the food or stolen object from their mouth. This can develop their aggression and give them a reason to bite you.
No matter what, you need to keep in mind that educating a dog that steals is far from pleasant. It requires a lot of patience. The important thing is to never be weak. If you apply the advice recommended above, you will see that your patience will be fruitful.
You also need to keep a sense of humor about your dog’s training. There’s no need to be too hard on them.