Hiding with objects

[Jarose]

Nina (now a little over 2 years old) is a wonderful dog. High energy, willing and eager to work and play, does well in obedience, etc. I was and am still learning things with her, being she is my first dog. One of the challenges I've had with her (and have posted in the past) was her posessiveness and guarding of bones, hair scrunchies, pen caps, cat toys, TISSUES, etc. We have worked on "drop it" and she has greatly improved to the point that she has dropped yummy dead birds and rotting fish on walks upon command. Due to the fact that we have, for the most part overcome this, it has gradually diminished as an issue. HOWEVER - in recent weeks it has resurfaced - and with a new twist, may I add. I will be reading at night on the sofa, and she will disappear quietly, moments later head only appearing around the corner with a glove of mine in her mouth as if to taunt me. (It's kind of a funny sight at first:) ). But then I say drop it and she does not, so I get up and go slowly to her and she runs to her new place - she wedges her big body all but her butt under the sofa where I cannot get her. Now it's not funny anymore because it becomes a battle to get it from her (complete with growling) and I cannot correct her properly because I cannot reach her. She willl do this with other objects (like tissues especially) as well. Since this has happened a few times lately I figure she sees it as a game so now what I do is just ignore her behavior and get up calmly and go into the other room and call her (usually have to involve a treat) but it works and it is non-confrontational. But now I wonder if I am unconsciously reinforcing her behavior? Also I think some of this could be boredom. It has been very cold and we don't frolick outside as much lately. It's like she is trying to get my attention by doing things she knows she shouldn't. But it's like just when I though we had this licked her it is again. What's the best thing to do - especially since she plays the hiding game. Should I go back to the object exchange thing again to reinforce "dropping it?" It's like as soon as you slack off they forget what they've learned and regress! Sorry so long - thanks.

[Beckysmom]

Your question suggests you really do know the answers yourself!

IMO: Oh yes fun fun fun game for a bored and underexercised doggy that she has discovered to get your attention! And yes, training is a lifelong thing--though some things do and some don't resurface.

I suggest lots more exercise and attention when you choose to give the attention with fun games you choose. Since she likes find, retrieve and hide and seek games how about putting all of that to work for yourself for fun times or even usefulness. "Get me my gloves, get me my slippers" could become a trained fun thing for both and then the treats on release not a problem. Or even training to go put the gloves where you want them--wouldn't that be cool? Well, also lots of work to train the dog to do these things on command, but possible.

Or teach names of objects and hide them and tell dog to go find them. Or hide yourself and let dog find you. Lots of possibilities here! Have fun. Let your dog remind you that it is important to play and get exercise and fresh air!

You may also need to keep her on a lead while you read etc. until you have this back in control. Do tho give lots of exercise. It is hard for dogs to behave well when they aren't exercised enuf.

Kate

[moondog]

My dog does the peek around the corner thing, too. She's so darn cute with that monkey in her eye and a toy in her mouth, the wrinkle on the top of her head whispering, "Are you ready to rumble?" :D

By getting up and going to her, which then puts the ball in her court and sets all her other actions in motion (taking off in another direction, hiding under the sofa, etc), you are reinforcing the behavior. By getting up, going in another room and asking her to do your bidding and come to you, you have the ball in your court still, even if there's a treat involved, because the treat is a reward for complying with a request that you made. The object becomes secondary.

I agree with Beckysmom that she's just trying to get you to interact with her and if you initiate more interaction on your terms, she'll be more satisfied and initiate it less. Or, like my dog, she'll become psychic and know exactly when the right time is to catch you when you're receptive! :)

[Judi W]

Yes, she is starting a game. She's getting a forbidden object because you probably don't play the game when she just picks up one of her own toys!!!!!!!! Smart girl.

Smart owner also. Going to another room and calling her is the right answer which switches it to your game instead of her game (get me if you can).

When one of my pups comes walking in with one of their toys, sort of strutting with it "look at what I have", I'll often exchange some attention with them "hey what have you got? A nifty fuzzy! Neat toy, bring it here and let me see it" and throw it a bit. This is their non-pushy bid for some action so I reward it. I don't do this all the time of course, but now and then I do so it rewards them for having their own stuff but I'm still directing the show. It also encourages them to bring me stuff which is always a plus.

Continue what you are doing. You've got it right.

[Jarose]

Thanks for the input. I guess I do know the answers somewhat - I just like to hear other's opinions and suggestions. And I do notice that her tendency to grab undesirable objects and play "the game " usually is when we have spent less quality time together. What's funny to me is she will bring toys to play but the only time she gets "the look" in her eye (catch me catch me if u can look) is when she has something she is not supposed to. I have named a few of her toys that she will go and pick out of her basket (which amazes me) but sometimes I just want to relax right after I come home and she, on the other hand has rested all day so it's game time...always a challenge and a good laugh with her!