Obsessioin?

Hi, wonder if anyone can help?

My 4 year old rescue staffy pinches things and then wont let them go no matter what I try. it has been cushions, tea towels, my scarf ( while I am wearing it!!) we have a stand off to see who gives in but I can put treats on the floor, on his nose, anywere in fact and he will only let go when he is ready. its impossible to open his mouth. I am sure he thinks its a big game as if I move he tugs and tugs at the item but as he nearly strangled me yesterday, its time he learned to pack it in.

Any suggestion splease?

Thanks

Sara

You should get him some tug toys of his own, and in the mean time hide everything he can pinch. With the tug toys you can then start to do DROP command.

Start by having a really good play with him, then stop and offer a treat make it a REALLY tasty one like sausage or chicken, if he lets go of the toy say DROP and give the treat. Do that over and over until your brains fried and he will soon drop the toy to get the treat.

This will also be a good start to LEAVE and you do the same thing, but if he stops for one second to think abuot leaving it, treat. etc.

Good luck!

yes as Hayley says a treat and command works well if repeated often. Our dog used to grab her bed and shake it when she went a bit off the rails when playing. A firm no or drop followed by something tasty works and she doesnt do it any more

some good advice, try and do a swap with him for something better. E.g. a squeaky toy, sausage, cooked chicken. However games aren't much fun if you've got noone to play them with. As much as you just want your stuff back when he takes it, he sees you chasing him and trying to get the item as a great game! If you ignore him when he does it, maybe take an exciting toy and sit with your back to him whilst making a big show of 'eating' the treats and playing with the toy he will soon want to drop your scarf and join in with what you doing. As hayley says every time he drops the item intentionally or unintentionally, say 'Drop' or 'Leave' (up to you which) and give him a yummy treat. xx