How do you stop puppies who have realized that they can run away and get away when they have something they want but shouldn't have in their mouths? (Treat bribes not working - dog not that stupid)

Now that's a question. What you need to understand is that they run away because you chase them and it's a fun game.

You have to take the fun out of it. What has worked for me in the past is a spray bottle filled with plain water and set to squirt a stream not a spray.

This is a type of super water pistol and can reach quite a distance. I have used this to control barking with some success. Now they only bark when I am not in range. I'm rearranging that by adding the word "quiet" to the squirting.

This works because dogs, even if they like baths, don't like being squirted. I can reach them right across the backyard and water doesn't cause too many problems on the furniture - it cleans up quickly and easily.

I am suggesting that this will help you control your runaway puppy. You need the word association as well and I would suggest "drop it" or "leave it" as good ones to use.

More tips at http://puppytraining.good-oil.com

Puppies are downright cute. Right? But, they sure do get into a lot of trouble... I believe I've only had one puppy not... No... I take that back. I've never not have a puppy with some behavioral problem. ... keep reading →