Training Dogs Not to Eat Food from Strangers
Incidents of strangers poisoning dogs, where dogs eat unhealthy food and suffer poisoning, happen frequently. Dogs love tasty food by nature, but food outdoors is often unhygienic. Recently, reports of dog poisoning incidents have become common, as some unscrupulous people poison many dogs in public places to achieve certain goals.
To ensure the dog's life safety and prevent accidents, as well as to improve the dog's training quality, it is necessary to strengthen training, educating dogs not to eat food found on the ground outside or given by strangers. The refusal command can be set as "No" or "Fei" (non).
When a dog attempts to eat food found on the ground outdoors or given by strangers, immediately issue the refusal command and sharply pull the leash to stop it, creating a conditioned reflex to the command. Normally, unfamiliar friends can assist in training—for example, taking the dog for a walk outside, having a friend offer the dog delicious food, and when the dog tries to eat, the friend lightly taps its nose while the owner tightens the leash and gives the refusal command. Alternatively, the food given by the friend can be coated with chili oil; when the dog tries to eat, only the refusal command is given without tightening the leash, letting the dog experience a bit of unpleasantness.
After repeated training, the dog will develop a conditioned reflex and reject food found on the ground or given by strangers. Of course, regular reinforcement and consolidation of the training effect are necessary during daily care and management.