Perils of a smart dog

Caro, I think you're right about teaching dogs "tricks" that end up teaching them bad things as well.

I always make the comparison between Bentley and Lexi and how much faster Lexi learns a new behavior than Bentley. I contend that the reason for this is that we taught her HOW to learn. Or in your case, you taught Tully to problem solve.

It's great when it comes to teaching her a variety of wanted behaviors, but bites you in the butt when she teaches herself unwanted behaviors.
 
I don't know. I think smart dogs if so motivated will learn self rewarding behavior on their own if so inclined. My Lab, Jo was super smart. She could open anything, cupboards, doors ,gates , babygates etc. When she was a young puppy, she counter surfed, got into things she should and generally made herself a menace. This was the dog that would open the door and run down the street if she felt like it. I never knew about dog sport or training before I got her. I was always 2 steps behind what she was thinking.

I taught her go in the kitchen when guests came and then I would close the gate. She could open that gate anytimes she wish but had been taught not to unless I told her to. I put everything on command and then never asked her to do it . Had I not taught her things she would have been an out of control demon. Her counter surfing never went away 100% but about 90% but she couldn't control herself if fresh bresh was in the bread box.
 
I guess I should consider myself lucky in this area. I can leave a full plate of food on the coffe table with both dogs on the couch who can easily reach it walk away and they never touch it. I sure hope Tully is feeling better.
 
A smart dog is a smart dog, teaching tricks or jumping skills are not going to make them worse. They figure this stuff out for themselves, after all you didn't teach Tully to push a chair, did you?

Cadbury is very clever and I am constantly on my toes with him for whatever he thinks up next to do. Counter surfing I solved by just removing all temptation, but that isn't to say he won't try it on if he is in a temper.

Perhaps you could try some activities toys for Tully when you are out?
 
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