Training a dog not to spoil things in the apartment is a difficult process, but it is doable.
It all starts with understanding the reasons for this behavior. Most often, dogs destroy things due to boredom, stress from loneliness, or simply interest in new objects.
To rid your pet of bored behavior, you need to pay more attention to it - walk longer, play more often, give it interesting toys.
It will also be useful to leave treats in special toys for your dog before leaving to keep it busy.
If the dog is ruining the owner's favorite things, it is most likely due to stress from loneliness. In this case, training to gradual separation will help.
To switch the dog's attention from things, you need to offer it an alternative - your toys. Encourage playing with them.
Once the reason for the damage to things is identified, you can move on to training. It is important to start small - do not forbid the dog to touch any objects in the house with its teeth, but choose a couple of the most valuable ones and start working with them.
The first thing you need to do is put these things away from the dog. When you are at home, you can take them out so that the dog gets used to the fact that these items belong to the owner. But it is too early to leave them unattended.
Next, we begin training. We show the dog the chosen object and give the command "No!" If the dog tries to grab it with its teeth, we calmly but strictly repeat the command and lightly pull the leash. When the dog shows at least minimal obedience, we immediately praise and give a treat.
Such short training sessions should be carried out as often as possible, gradually increasing the time the dog resists the temptation. This way, it will remember that it is forbidden to take these specific things in its teeth.
When the dog stops trying to grab the forbidden objects, you can leave them unattended for a short time, and then for a long time. But don't forget the treats for obedience!
When the dog learns not to touch a couple of the most valuable things, you can expand the list of prohibitions. But you need to do this gradually, reinforcing each new skill.
To make the process easier, use commands like "Yes" and "No". Before giving the dog a new toy, show it and say "Yes". And before showing the forbidden object - "No". Over time, the dog will learn to distinguish between these commands.
Don't forget to regularly praise and reward your dog for good behavior. And be patient - breaking a persistent habit of destroying things can take a long time. The main thing is to be consistent in training.
And then you will teach your pet to treat your things and valuables with care!
Earlier we wrote about the 3 most difficult dog breeds to train.
