2 exercises to help your dog stop grabbing things

Here are two exercises to help your dog understand that not everything they see or that's within reach is theirs for the taking. The exercises are straightforward, and with a bit of practice, your dog's learning will extend beyond just treats – which is exactly what we'll be focusing on. Be patient and keep practising to see results in more areas of your dog's life.

Exercise 1

Impulse control is about your dog being able to manage their excitement and resist the urge to snatch at things they want. Some dogs naturally have great impulse control, while others need more practice. Teaching this early on helps develop their restraint skills.

Do this

Hold some treats in your hand and place them on the floor in front of your dog. Cover the treats with your hand, ensuring your dog can't get them. Your dog might initially try to snatch them by pawing, licking, or nudging your hand. Keep your hand firmly in place. If your dog finds this too difficult and keeps trying, try placing the treats on a table and covering them with your hand, gradually lowering it to your dog's level.

Only offer a treat when your dog voluntarily moves away from the treats. This could be shifting their weight back or simply stopping their attempts to get the treats from your hand. Continue this until your dog has received all the treats.

The goal is for you to be able to place treats on the floor without covering them, and for your dog not to grab them. Gradually increase the difficulty. Be mindful that some dogs, particularly more sensitive ones with lower confidence, can become stressed if you keep covering the treats. In these cases, keep your hand over the treats consistently rather than moving it back and forth. Instead, quickly remove your hand and reward your dog when they choose not to snatch the treats. This approach helps build their confidence.

Exercise 2

Alongside teaching restraint, it's important for your dog to learn that ignoring temptation pays off. They'll receive plenty of rewards for simply choosing not to engage with tempting items.

Do this

Place an item that often tempts your dog on the floor – perhaps a toy, a pair of socks, or shoes. Drop a treat on the floor near the tempting item. Have a handful of higher-value treats ready. Once your dog has eaten the treat on the floor and returns to you, give them a reward from your hand.

You're rewarding your dog for choosing to ignore the temptation. Offer several high-value treats to reinforce this positive choice.

Tip! If you're unsure your dog will resist temptation and return to you, use a lead and harness so you can easily redirect them. Alternatively, make it easier for your dog initially by not using any tempting items, simply rewarding them for returning to you.

Use this type of reward throughout your dog's life. Anything that your dog chooses not to do is an opportunity for you to reward desired behaviour in you. This applies both on walks and indoors.