1. Catch Them in the Act:
- If you catch your puppy stealing something, immediately say a firm "No" or "Leave it."
- Gently remove the stolen item from their mouth.
2. Redirect Their Attention:
- After saying "No," immediately provide a desirable treat or toy.
- Encourage your puppy to engage with the acceptable item.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement:
- Reward your puppy with treats or praise whenever they leave an object alone or drop it when you say "Leave it."
4. Practice Leave It:
- Play the "Leave It" game with your puppy using tasty treats.
- Hold a treat in front of them, say "Leave it," and give them a treat when they don't take the first treat.
5. Avoid Punishment:
- Physical punishment or harsh verbal reprimands can lead to fear or aggression.
6. Supervise and Manage:
- Keep valuable items out of reach of your puppy.
- Use baby gates or crate your puppy when you can't supervise them.
7. Teach Drop It:
- Hold a treat in one hand and let your puppy take it.
- With the other hand, offer them a higher-value treat. When your puppy drops the first treat, say "Drop it" and give them the second treat.
8. Practice the Stay Command:
- Teach your puppy to stay in one spot while you move away from them.
- This helps them learn self-control and respect for your boundaries.
9. Be Patient and Consistent:
- Training takes time and consistency.
- Always respond to stealing in the same way to help your puppy understand what is expected.
10. Consult a Trainer:
- If your puppy's stealing behavior persists or escalates, consider working with a professional dog trainer who can provide personalized guidance.