training

[tink101]

our collie has suddenly decided at 4 that shes going to start stealing food off the table whilst we are aeting
i really dont like this and have started shutting her out of the room whilst we are eating anything even if its a snack
my oh says that im been an evil mum

anyone agree or not with what im doing or does anyone have any suggestions

thanx

 

[Blythebeck]

Teach the dog "away". Take a square of sample carpet or similar. Lead the dog up to it on a lead, place a tit bit on it, walk away with the dog. Sit the dog. Let if off the lead. Hold on to it until you give a command. Send the dog to the tit bit with the command "away". It will usually obey. When it has reached the carpet, command "down" ( I am assuming it knows what down means). Dont be afraid to back up the command with physical restraint (ie push her down or what ever you do to do this). Do this for a few times then skip the titbit every other time. Dont forget to praise her when she gets it right. When your meal times comes up (or when you are putting your shoes on), the command "away" and "down" will send her away without any ill feeling. It works on my sometimes persistant and scatty dogs so it should on a bright dog like a collie.