How to teach my dog to release prey?

Question

I have a problem with my dog. He's a cocker spaniel/ Alpine dachsbracke mix. So he's a bird hunter/scent tracker. The thing is that sometimes when someone drops something or he finds it laying on the floor, like socks, decorative objects, tissues... he will take it as a prey and won't let it go. He only does this with things he's not allowed to have, not with his toys. He does the same thing with mice as well. He will come show what he has, but when we tell him to drop it or try to take it away, he will growl and won't let go. He holds his "prey" very gently, doesn't kill it (the mouse in his mouth is still alive) and then if it's soft and small enough he will swallow it. Luckily he only swallowed tissues and paper until now. And maybe some mice. We always trick him with food or try to get him excited to get him drop it. This doesn't suffice, because we don't want him to growl at us and want him to release when asked.
Also, he's not a retriever. He doesn't bring his toys, he always wants us to run after him. But he will drop his toys without growling.
Anyone got any tips?

Answer 1

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Good for you for not twisting your dogs ears. Skratch should not give training advice!!

Answer 2

Of course he wants you to run after him. It's a game and a lot of fun to play keep away. Obviously for us, it's annoying, and not fun. You need to teach him the "leave it" command and then also the "release" command. It doesn't matter that he's not a retriever. It might take some extra effort but he can certainly learn these commands.



He's guarding his resources. This is very poor behavior that needs to be nipped in the bud. He should NEVER growl at you for taking something away. It's unacceptable and he could hurt someone if he bites. First work on the "leave it" command. There are many methods online for teaching this. Here is one: http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/leave-it.html



As for the "release or drop it" command that should come in after he knows the "leave it" command. This is so important to get the dog to give you his "prize". You don't want him eating things and mice are known carries of MANY different bacteria/viruses/etc.. Look here for some help on this command: http://dogs.about.com/od/basiccommands/ht/dropitcommand.htm



Just some daily work and patience will help you out. There's no reason he can't learn these and learn to listen to you. It will help grow your bond and teach him to respect you. Good luck :)

Answer 3

I'm no expert, but I learned from a trainer to grasp their upper muzzle (make your hand like a c on the bridge of the nose) and slide the side of the upper lip onto their molars/teeth. It'll cause them to (gently) bite their own lip and release. I've seen it used on bulldogs that are notorious for never letting go, just watch out for the second bite if your dog is too excited!

Answer 4

Just grasp the dogs ear; if that isn't enough to make the dog release, give the ear a wee bit of a twist and he'll let go.



DO NOT JERK THE EAR ---- that's quite painful for dogs.

Answer 5

Teach him the command "leave it."