Q: Any suggestions on how to teach a dog to 鈥渄rop?鈥 My Jack Russell terrier will not let go of her toys once she grabs hold of them. 鈥擩ohn
The Ultimate 国产吃瓜黑料 Companion
All you need to know about going wild with man’s best friend.A: Realize the nature of the dog you are dealing with. Jack Russells are possessive and love a good fight. Giving things up is not in the nature of the breed. They are ratters and burrowers by nature, so don鈥檛 encourage the undesirable behavior.
- Get rid of all chew toys. They encourage possessiveness.
- Don鈥檛 play tug-of-war or chase.
- Use treats as positive rewards.
- When your Jack Russell has an item and won鈥檛 give it up, grasp the article firmly. Have a treat ready in hand. Give your release command, 鈥淕ive,鈥 in an authoritative voice鈥攏ot weak or loud, just a firm pack-leader tone with direct eye contact. If she doesn鈥檛 respond, don鈥檛 pull the object or the Jack Russell will pull back. Just reach to the dog鈥檚 flank and make a sharp, quick grab of the loose skin in front of the hind leg at the belly鈥攎uch like a pack mom would make a bite鈥攁nd repeat the command. The dog should spit out the object. Now, quickly give the treat.
Soon, your Jack Russell should hear the release command, consider its options, and calmly give you the article in exchange for the treat.
This article originally appeared on 国产吃瓜黑料 K9, the former dog blog of 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine, on March 30, 2009.