How do I train my dog not to be around strangers?
Do not crowd your dog, but wait for him to be calm in his crate or space with the stranger in the same room and then give him a high value treat. Gradually have your assistant come closer to the crate, or your dog. If the dog reacts, stop and wait for him to be calm, When you get calm behavior, provide a reward.
Another essential command to teach your pup is “leave it.” That way, if you catch him trying to snag something he shouldn’t have, (or he does manage to get it), using “leave it” will prevent him from eating it. This is especially important if your dog has stolen something potentially harmful for him.
Some dogs are “counter-surfers,” meaning they see what kind of food they can steal from any number of places, including right off your counter.
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When a dog tries to steal food, and he succeeds, he learns that he gets a reward, which only reinforces the behavior. Sure this can make breaking the habit difficult — but it’s not impossible.
Still, even if your dog is trained, remember to be vigilant about keeping those counters and coffee tables clear. “There are some dogs who, no matter how well trained they are, will have a momentary lapse in judgment if you leave the room with a temptation on the counter,” Santo says.
Alternatively, exchange the toy for a tasty treat, using “Drop It” as he releases the toy to eat the treat.
If the dog merely looks at it, or sniffs then looks at the floor, say “Leave It”, give him a huge fuss and a tasty treat. Repeat.
Now make things more difficult. Have the low value treat on your open palm. If the dog snatches at it, close your hand into a fist and say “No”.
As he drops the first toy, praise him, and reward him with the second. This toy exchange teaches him that releasing an object results in even more fun.
If the dog snatches the treat, go back to the step he can successfully complete and work more on this
How To Teach Your Dog to Ignore Food! (With Cesar Millan)
Some dogs are “counter-surfers,” meaning they see what kind of food they can steal from any number of places, including right off your counter.
When a dog tries to steal food, and he succeeds, he learns that he gets a reward, which only reinforces the behavior. Sure this can make breaking the habit difficult — but it’s not impossible.
Kathy Santo, a dog trainer and columnist for AKC Family Dog, recommends the following when dealing with a counter-surfing dog:
Make sure nothing (not even crumbs) is on the counter. “I call this the Empty Bird Feeder Effect,” Santo says. “After you stop filling a bird feeder, the birds eventually stop coming around.” If you must keep food on the counter (a pie to cool, for example, or a spread for a party), keep the dog out of the kitchen using a baby gate, or put in him a crate or behind a shut door. 
Teach your dog to “go to his place.” If you see him in the kitchen sniffing around, instead of yelling at him or punishing him, tell him to go to his place and reward him with a delicious Purina® Pro Plan® treat for obeying. Soon he’ll realize that the likelihood of his getting a treat is higher when he listens to compared to sneaking a snack behind your back.
Still, even if your dog is trained, remember to be vigilant about keeping those counters and coffee tables clear. “There are some dogs who, no matter how well trained they are, will have a momentary lapse in judgment if you leave the room with a temptation on the counter,” Santo says.
Another essential command to teach your pup is “leave it.” That way, if you catch him trying to snag something he shouldn’t have, (or he does manage to get it), using “leave it” will prevent him from eating it. This is especially important if your dog has stolen something potentially harmful for him.
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
