Proud puppy parents! "Leave it" training.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

The recent discussion in the food group about feeding scraps got me thinking about this past weekend.  Luna is never fed while we are eating, and she only gets food that is prepared for her.  She also doesn't get anything if she is begging.

 

A few months ago, we actively started trying to make sure "Leave it" is a really solid command with Luna.  Our neighborhood is full of kids and there are a lot of stray pieces of toys, candy wrappers and other doggie hazards out on walks.

 

We were at a family pool party - kids and adults and fun all over the place. Luna had a ball - she got to swim and play with kids, run around with sticks and exhaust herself by getting the "zoomies" to dry off.

 

In the afternoon my in-laws brought out a big bowl of party mix and Luna looked really hopeful.  The bowl was placed on a low table RIGHT at her nose height perfect for stealing.  My fiance and I looked at each other like "uh oh... dunno how this is going to go".

 

We stood nearby and told her to "leave it", and Luna patiently (or impatiently?) sort of just.. stood near the bowl.  She didn't whine, paw or jump on anyone, or even look at people to beg.  She just stood there staring at the bowl looking like "Maybe someone will tell me it's ok to eat this...".  Her reward for being patient was that sometimes people would drop a little piece, and she was allowed to have those.  She never touched the party mix in the bowl though!

 

She even did a repeat performance (with a little more paw shuffling and anxious lip licking) with a big plate of watermelon - she LOVES watermelon.  That was a tough one!

 

It's nice to see that after many months of crazy puppyhood and training (that often seems to go nowhere) it's actually paying off!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Nice!  This gives me hope!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good job Luna!! It's nice to see your training pay off (especially in front of an audience!) Congrats!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I understand just how you feel! It is so great to see all your training payoff  in a "real world" test!! Luna is one smart and GOOD GIRL!!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

What a good dog you are, Luna! Watermelon...I have never tried that with my dogs. Glad things are going well.