Member Questions 9-27-26

Here are this week's questions:

Jaen

Dear Robert, when you deal with dogs' leash biting problem, why do you lift up the leash, take away air instead of doing a pop, quick correction? Thank you!

Calley

How to stop your puppy from eating grass, bark, rocks and so many things he shouldn't? Thank you.

Kristin

My 10-month-old working-line GSD has great threshold manners and holds a "place" cot in the foyer when we enter. However, the moment she is released, she excitedly dashes to other rooms (water bowl, bed, etc.). She doesn't run inside otherwise; it's purely transition excitement.

We’ve tried low-energy entries, delayed feeding, leashing, and cueing a secondary "place," but she still bolts upon release.

How can I teach her to transition calmly after being released from place, or manage this routine more effectively?

Bob K

My 10 month old English Springer Spaniel often picks up junk (plastic, wood, paper) off the floor or ground and will attempt to eat it. He refuses to drop it even when I attempt to trade it for another high value treat. I’m afraid he will swallow something that will seriously harm him. What do you recommend I do to stop this dangerous habit?

Elena Phleger

I'm wondering if I should taper off treats in training? Treats have been working well with food motivated 13 month old Rotty/Akita mix (shelter mix), and we've progressed through luring to intermittent training rewards for basic obedience. She gets about 25% of her daily food in kibble treats. She's prong collar/loose leash trained--don't think I'll ever relinquish the prong collar. She's responsive to leash pressure and only occasionally needs a strong correction, however corrections are sometimes necessary and the prong collar seems to be the best tool for her along with positive treat reinforcements.

Andrea

I would love ideas on playing with dogs while also having an energy limiting disability. If I spend 5 minutes playing tug while on the floor with each of my 3 dogs I have a physical setback. They get plenty of exercise on daily off leash long walks but I see the value in games like tug. We need low expenditure ideas if you have them. Most of what I do needs to be done seated or laying down. I want to do the best I can for my dogs (all 3 are amazing rescues!). Thanks for all you do.