How to Stop Your Dog From Scavenging During Walks
A walk with your dog is an excellent opportunity for bonding and exercise, but it can also be a challenge if your pup has a tendency to scavenge. Scavenging, or picking up and eating anything and everything in sight, can not only be embarrassing but also harmful to your dog’s health. There are a number of different objects and foods dogs are not supposed to eat, so having a dog that loves to scavenge can turn a peaceful walk into an anxiety-inducing mission.
Alpha Buddy Dog Training is here to help you and your furry friend enjoy your walks together without any distractions. We can assist your dog with better walking skills and overall behavioral skills when outside of the house. Here are some tips and techniques to help you stop your dog from scavenging during walks.
Start Training at Home
Before taking your dog on a walk, it’s essential to start training at home. This will help you determine if your dog understands what is expected of them during walks and provide an opportunity to reinforce the behavior you want to see.
Begin by teaching your dog the “leave it” command. This command will come in handy when your dog tries to pick up something during a walk. To teach the “leave it” command, place a treat on the ground and tell your dog to “leave it.” If they ignore the treat, reward them with a treat from your hand. Repeat this process several times until your dog associates the “leave it” command with leaving something alone.
Avoid Triggers
One of the best ways to stop your dog from scavenging is to avoid the triggers that cause them to scavenge in the first place. For example, if your dog is attracted to trash cans, avoid walking past them or keep your dog on a tight leash when passing them.
Distract Them
Another way to stop your dog from scavenging is to distract them with something else. For example, you can bring toys, treats, or chews with you on walks to provide your dog with an alternative to scavenging. Additionally, you can try playing games like hide and seek or fetch to keep your dog’s attention focused on you.
Reinforce Good Behavior
Reinforcing good behavior is crucial in changing your dog’s scavenging behavior. When your dog avoids scavenging, praise them, give them a treat, or give them lots of attention. This will let your dog know that they’re doing the right thing and encourage them to continue the good behavior.
Increase Exercise
A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise is more likely to scavenge during walks. To prevent this, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before and after walks. This could include playing in the backyard, going for a run, or playing fetch.
Consult a Professional Trainer
If you’re struggling to stop your dog from scavenging, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer. Alpha Buddy Dog Training provides personalized dog walking and training services to help you and your furry friend enjoy your walks together. Our experienced trainers will work with you and your dog to develop a training plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve your goals.
Scavenging during walks can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience, but it’s not a lost cause. With the right training, you can help your dog overcome this habit and enjoy walks together. If you’re looking for professional dog walking and training services, look no further than Alpha Buddy Dog Training. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
