Picking up food from the floor is a fairly common problem in many dogs, which, at first glance, may seem innocent. However, this habit carries serious risks for the Pet’s health. Accidentally picked up food or a foreign object can cause poisoning or even injury, which may require immediate medical intervention. It is important to understand why dogs do this and how you can wean them from this habit in order to avoid dangerous situations.
Why do dogs pick up food on the street?
The reasons for this behavior can be different, and the first thing to consider is the dog’s natural instincts. As descendants of wild carnivores, dogs are used to looking for food wherever they can find it. Their natural instincts push them to explore the world around them and taste anything that seems edible. Also, lack of proper nurturing or training can reinforce this behavior. If the dog is not taught commands that prohibit picking up food from the ground, it will consider this behavior to be the norm. Insufficient nutrition or banal curiosity can also cause the dog to pick up everything that comes its way.
The danger of picking up food from the floor
The consequences of picking up food from the floor can be very serious. One of the biggest risks is poisoning. Food lying on the ground can be contaminated with chemicals or poisonous substances left by malicious people. In addition, the dog can swallow foreign objects – stones, plastic particles or other dangerous objects that can get stuck in the stomach or intestines. This can lead to serious problems that will require surgery. Certain foods are also dangerous, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins or onions – these ingredients can be fatal for a dog. In addition, bacteria and infections that can be on the food lying on the floor can cause serious diseases in the animal.
How to teach a dog to pick up food from the ground
The first step in teaching your dog to pick up food from the floor is basic command training. The Foo or Can’t command should be your primary tool. Teaching your dog to follow these commands is quite simple, but it is important that you are consistent and patient. First, say the command in a firm but non-aggressive voice when the dog tries to pick something up off the ground. If the dog obeys, be sure to praise it or give it a treat. This technique allows you to show that obedience = reward. This helps her to associate good behavior with pleasant emotions.
On walks when you know your dog might be tempted to pick something up off the ground, it’s important to provide distractions. It can be a toy or a favorite game. If the dog is interested in the game or running after the ball, he will not have time to look for food on the ground.
Leash control is also an important element. If the dog is on a leash, you have more opportunities to correct its behavior. You will be able to stop an attempt to lift something off the ground in time. It is worth remembering that the leash should not be tight – the dog should feel free, but under your control.
Tips from dog experts
Cynologists advise using experienced training methods based on a calm and confident approach. One of the main recommendations is the regularity of training. Exercise should be a part of everyday life, not just a reaction to a problem. Daily sessions for a few minutes will be much more effective than one long session per week.
Specific exercises, such as self-control exercises, will also help teach the dog not to pick up food. For example, you can put a treat on the floor and give the dog the command “Sit” or “Wait”. If she doesn’t touch it, you reward her with another treat. This teaches the dog to control its impulses.
If the dog continues to pick up food: what to do
If all your efforts do not bring results, you should contact a professional trainer or dog trainer. Specialists have experience and know how to deal with such behavior using additional methods.
Sometimes the use of special tools or devices, such as a muzzle, can help. This is a temporary measure that will help keep your dog out of harm’s way while you continue to work on his behavior.
Prevention of the problem
It is easier to prevent a problem than to solve it, so proper nutrition of the dog should be in the first place. If the dog is well fed and not hungry, it is less likely to look for food outside.
Maintaining hygiene at home and outside is also an important factor. Keeping food leftovers in the house or yard will help reduce temptation for your Pintail.
Do not forget about regular walks and attention to the dog. An active lifestyle and playing with the owner help to reduce the level of anxiety and boredom in dogs, which also reduces the risk of picking up food. Your attention and interaction with the dog is the main thing for its upbringing and safety.
Take care of the dog’s health comprehensively
It is important not only to teach the dog not to pick up food from the floor, but also to take care of its general health and appearance. Regular grooming, ear cleaning and claw trimming will help your pet feel comfortable and healthy. At our V.O.G DOG SALON grooming salons, we offer professional services for your friend to always look and feel their best! We invite you to visit our grooming salon and give your dog the care it deserves.
