My puppy bites when I take things. How do I teach the "drop" command?

Question

Our 6 month old Austrian Shepard puppy is having some aggressive issues when he grabs objects that he knows he is not allowed to have He will growl, snap, run away and bite when we try to get the objects back. We have tried to use distractions (a toy, treat, noises and so on) to try to get the objects from him but it doesn't seem to work and we end up having to put our hands in his mouth to get it and he snaps at us and all What should we do? How can we correct this behavior? Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | neutered | 5 months and 30 days old | 37 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

He’s using this as a way to get you to play. I would try to put up things he shouldn’t have and ignore him when he takes something. Your trying to get it is what he wants. If he likes to go outside or for a walk take the leash and act like you are leaving so he’ll want to join you and hopefully will drop the object. When I teach the command ‘Drop’ which is what you need in this instance, is to offer him a very high value reward. Steak, cheese, hot dogs or his favorite toy. In order to get the reward he needs to release the object he isn’t supposed to have. I recommend putting him on a short leash, giving him a toy and working on the ‘Drop’ command. That way he can’t run away, and soon he’ll learn what you want. He’s just a bratty teenager so don’t go along with his games. He will improve as he gets older. A general group obedience class will help you learn to work together also, and is fun. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jax.

My puppy bites when I take things. How do I teach the "drop" command?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?

My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?

Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?

Share