Safely Introducing Household Appliances to a Puppy. #7

This video on the Puppy Training Journey looks at the interesting subject of introducing certain household appliances to a puppy. Because vacuums, brooms and mops move back and forth with varying degrees of associated noise, they can be classic areas for a young dog to attempt to chase, grab and hold on to. Usually seen by the puppy as a great game, though some will attack the item due to fear. Either cause is undesirable, though it may seem funny when you first see it, I discourage such grabbing behaviour as it can become a real problem later down the line and I have carried out numerous behaviour visits to look at this behaviour in adult dogs...which invariably starts in puppyhood.
As you can see in this video, Ruby is generally keen to chase and grab these items and so we used a lead for a little additional control whilst carrying out the activity. She responds well to a firm, but not loud 'Leave it' command should she become too much.
The use of food rewards can also be helpful when your young dog does as you ask, which could be to simply sit at your feet as you mop or vac, or at a more advanced level remain on a bed and under the stay command as you do your thing. Ruby is not very food driven as yet and will happily do things to please us and responds well to voice and touch. She is also proving to be very bright, so she's doing well overall.
Remember, these videos are focussing on the 'Prevention rather than cure' approach, so a little investment in these areas can go a long way!
The basic approach can be used when addressing the same behaviours in older dogs and it could also be applied to brooms, rakes and so on. I have cleaned numerous houses when demonstrating this very approach with more advanced behaviours in older dogs!
Dog Behaviourist | Dog Trainer | Dog Expert Witness | Nick Jones MA
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