Dogs are keen observers and astute opportunists! It’s instinctive and that’s how they survive when they’re alone. Unless they are taught manners, it won’t take them long to discover that the best times to make their stealth attacks are on unsuspecting children, when adults are distracted, or better yet, out of the room.
Dogs know that little people are easy prey! That’s why children are easy targets for your dog’s hit and run.
You may be a bit of a challenge. However, a quick glance around the room to notice the shoreline is clear, and your turkey sandwich is history!
why does your dog steal
Your adorable snack-stealing dog is nothing more than a wolf in disguise. Like wolves, they have their pack. In the case of your puppy or dog, it is you and your family. Even though they have the cutest little face and look so innocent, their genes are screaming messages to survive, you must be a fearless hunter. That means you have to take risks from time to time.
Your dog instinctively knows that in a pack everyone has their place. In the wild, when a pack shares a kill, those of lower status patiently wait their turn to chew on the carcass. Most are content with what remains. Your little wolf learned this when he nursed his littermates. They quickly realized that the higher your status in the litter, the more you can eat, is the rule.
So, you had to be bold and daring if you wanted a full belly. Astute members, like a smart businessman, always weigh the benefit against the cost. If the odds seem more in their favor, they’ll take a chance and make a brazen leap for the better stuff. They will risk the wrath of superiors. They will jump at any opportunity to “snatch” a bite of whatever they can sink their teeth into.
That’s what’s going on with your opportunistic thieving canine! They have learned that children are easy prey. If your dog is not taught manners, and to respect your child, they will consider you lower in pack status.
This is how you can prevent or modify such inappropriate behavior.
Teaching rules and limits
Your dog must learn to respect rules and limits. Positive reinforcement and non-punishment methods work! Enroll in an obedience training class that encourages attendance by the entire family. It teaches everyone how to define pack order, so your dog understands that as important as he or she may think they are, they are now and always will be at the bottom of the pack.
“There is no free lunch!” Never give treats without your dog doing something to earn them. Have them follow a simple command. It’s a positive way to reinforce that they must work for their rewards, and that people are the purveyors of all good things…and that includes the little ones too!
Teach your children not to disturb or “share” their food with your dog. That only encourages theft.
Never feed your dog from the table! They should not be allowed near the table at mealtimes. All it takes is a simple distraction, and there goes your chicken leg! Children often drop food where they eat…sometimes by accident, sometimes not by accident! Or, the kids (and sometimes grandpa) are easily cajoled into giving a treat when no one is looking. Your dog quickly learns where there is free food!
If you catch your dog in the act of light fingers, correct him immediately. You need to let them know that what they just did was unacceptable behavior. If you can, remove the object. Show them that you are higher up in the pack status; therefore, it belongs to you! If they’ve already bought it, let them know you’re not pleased by exiling them and ignoring them. Give them a minute or three to associate their behavior with consequences. If there is something that puppies and dogs hate, it is going unnoticed.
Teach your dog the “LEAVE IT!” domain. Put them in the sitting position. With a treat in hand, he gives the “LEAVE IT!” domain. Don’t let them touch you, until he gives a release order. If he or she is going to snatch it from you, give an unrewarded response, like ‘EHH!’ Make a firm correction, such as ‘NO! BAD!” Then he repeats the exercise, until they associate that they should not touch the treat until it is released to do so.
If you have little or no control over your puppy or dog, consider signing up for a non-punishment, positive reinforcement obedience class. It will help you learn the leadership skills you need and help your pet learn his place in your family in a fun way.
Bottom line: Teaching your puppy or dog not to snatch food isn’t difficult. If you are fair, firm and consistent, they will make the association inappropriate behavior.