How to Stop a Dog From Taking Items & Running Away

Many dog owners don't realize it, but they actually teach their dogs bad behavior. When a dog grabs something from the counter and runs off, dog owners reinforce this unwanted behavior by chasing the dog around the house trying to retrieve the dog. "Counter-surfing" dogs are tempted by food left within their reach. Dogs that swipe objects off the counter are bored and want attention -- even the negative attention they get when their owner yells at them or chases them for the stolen item.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Leash and correction collar
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Instructions

  1. Leave it/Take it Exercise

    • 1

      Place a treat in your hand and close your fist. Have your dog sit in front of you and show it your closed fist with the treat in it. When the dog stops pawing or biting at your hand in order to get at the treat, or looks away because he is losing interest in this game, open your fist and tell him to "Take it." Immediately tell him "Good dog" because he's done what you asked him to do, take the treat.

      Repeat this "game" several times a day for about 5 minutes per session. Always remember to give praise when the dog does what you've asked.

    • 2

      Place a treat in your hand and this time, show the dog your closed fist and say "Leave it" when he goes to sniff the hand. Once he leaves it alone, say "Good dog," open your hand and allow him to take the treat. You might have to say "Take it" because he may wait for permission.

    • 3

      Practice this part of the exercise several times a day for a couple of days. Do not give the treat unless the dog actually leaves it alone and always remember to praise when it does. Dogs will do more for their owners if they know they are doing a good thing or doing what the owner wants; the only way dogs know this is through positive reinforcement or praise.

    • 4

      Drop a treat piece on the floor between you and the dog and say "Leave it" as the dog goes to get it. If he straightens back up and waits for further instructions, praise him. Then tell him to "Take it" and wait about 1 minute before you repeat the series of commands. You may want to use a leash and a correction style collar for this type of exercise because the object is to keep the dog away from the treat when you say "Leave it."

      Perform this exercise several times a day for a couple of days until the dog has really gotten the hang of the "Leave it" command: the dog stops in its tracks, pauses or looks away from the treat.

    "Leave it" Around the House

    • 5

      Place shoes, socks or snacks around the house and then take your dog for a walk around the house on his leash. Stop at each item and tell him to "Leave it." Do not give the dog a chance to even sniff the items. Once the dog has reached the next item and doesn't show interest in it, praise him because you didn't have to say "Leave it" the dog knew what to do.

    • 6

      Allow the dog to go rest and move the items around to different places or mix them up. Then bring the dog back on the leash for another walk through the house, using the "Leave it" command whenever needed. Work on this for a couple days.

    • 7

      Place several items and treats around the house again, in completely different places. Bring in the dog into the room off-leash. Encourage the dog to walk next to you or near you and when he gets closes to an item you have placed on the floor, say "Leave it" and walk on. The dog should leave it alone and walk on as well. Praise its efforts.

    • 8

      Teaching the "Leave it" command to your dog could be very valuable if you drop something dangerous on the floor. If you drop a prescription pill or piece of chocolate on the floor, a quick "Leave it" to an approaching dog will send him in the other direction, allowing you to retrieve the item before the dog, saving the dog's stomach and possible other internal damage.