[Dailydrool] Re; Snatching

[Sandi Wittenberg]

Puppies are naturally "grabby" but they must be taught not to "snatch".
What we do with our puppies from the very beginning is play a game of "take
it"  We take toys from their mouths, then give it back.  Repeatedly.  Same
with food.  When I teach them to take food from my hand, I take a VERY small
bit of food (a piece of kibble works well) and close my hand around it (into
a fist with thumb tucked in under the fingers.  Then I present my hand (palm
side down) to the puppy.  I let them sniff, nose, lick my hand but the
nano-second I feel teeth, I pull my hand away from them and give them a FIRM
NO!  Then we do it again . and again .. And again.  When they are trying to
get the treat without using their teeth, I praise (lavishly) and use the
word GENTLE.   About the third time I withdraw my hand, they get the idea.
Then when they are gently nuzzling your hand, open up your fingers and let
the puppy take the treat from the palm of your hand.  If you feel teeth on
your skin, take the treat away and start over.

Sandi Wittenberg
Red Bay Bassets





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