Lab pulling clothes of the line - 2010-05-12

Question

My adopted dog Larry (4yo male Labrador) is well fed, much loved and very socialised (we have two dogs total), well exercised -hour long + walks every day, stimulated -toys, pool, etc but will still steal clothes of the washing line when we are not home. How can we train him out of this positively?

Answer

Not knowing what the adoption entailed, but let’s assume he came from the pound. The dog may have been in several homes and now yours is great and he does not want you to leave.....and leave him alone, and possibly lose all he has got. Especially when molly coddled, this often leads in adopted dogs to separation anxiety, where stealing clothes etc can be a comfort sign. Better to have mum’s t-shirt than noting kind of thing. Suggest that you apply more leadership and a little less affection when he wants it. Also if really bad, can use old towel with some chilli paste on it – or a balloon in an old pillow case. The latter two are negative reinforcements, and ideally are only applied if this does not change with you making NO fuzz when you leave and come home. If persists, contact a good behavioural trainer.