How to wean a dog to pick up objects on the street

It is difficult to enjoy a walk when the dog picks up everything on the street: leftover food, bags and other garbage. This behavior can be explained and should be eliminated. More about this in the article.

Why do they do it

First of all, it’s interesting. Dogs learn about the world through their teeth and taste buds, which is why they pick up sticks, bones, and other objects, including wet and dirty ones. For research purposes, the pet may even eat excrement.

On the street you can find buns, chocolates, chewing gum – everything that is not allowed to try at home. Therefore, such research can also be tasty.

Please note: even if your pet’s “garbage” habits do not bother you, you need to get rid of them. The dog can get poisoned or helminthic infestation. 

How to wean a puppy to pick up everything on the street

Many puppies just go through this period during which they want to try everything. But if the habit persists into adulthood, comprehensive measures are indispensable. And here’s how to wean a dog to pick up food and garbage on the street:

• Balance your diet

If a dog is not getting enough calories, vitamins and minerals from food, he will get them from other sources: other people’s scraps, wood, grass, and even earth. Check with your veterinarian for the right balanced diet, and keep in mind that pet needs change at different stages of life.

• Decide on teams

For training, you will need two teams: allowing “you can” and prohibiting “you can not.” 

• Workout at home and outside 

Start learning the “you can” command at home: put the food in the bowl, but do not let the dog pounce on it. After a few seconds, allow me to start eating. Exercise regularly until your dog is used to receiving approval before eating.

If your pet takes a treat without permission or reaches for the trash can, clearly say “no” and switch attention to yourself. To do this, you can slightly pull the leash, but do not scream and show aggression.

When the pet learns both commands, go for a control walk. But first, go outside without a dog in advance to scatter pieces of food and garbage in a specific place. If possible, do this with gloves: this way the pet will not smell your scent and the experiment will be honest. Track the reaction and continue to work out commands on walks – over time, the dog will begin to ignore even real garbage.

• Don’t forget the games

It is unfair to forbid a dog to pick up interesting things from the ground, but not to give anything in return. Pick up toys for your pet for different types of activity, and your walks will be interesting and safe.

It is not enough to take away the garbage from the dog once. Not doing this every day will require serious training. If you cannot cope on your own, do not hesitate to seek help from a specialist. An individual approach can be more effective than universal recommendations.