Can you teach dogs to share?

Our dogs hoard toys, especially Holden. Whenever I go into his crate, it is full of toys that he does not want to share with Denver. We buy 2 of everything but usually both end up in his crate! And, of course, whatever he is playing with, Denver wants. How do you resolve this or is it just natural dog behavior? I must admit it is very funny to watch!

Re: Can you teach dogs to share?

Great question. I would love to see if there is an answer to it as well. Lacie plays well with other dogs but once they touch one of her toys, she freaks out!

We are starting school with her on Tuesday and this is one of the questions I plan on asking. I will let you know if they have a solution.

Message edited 3/16/2006 4:30:53 PM.

Re: Can you teach dogs to share?

YES!!!! I too buy 2 of each toy the same but my american bulldog takes them and keeps them both next to her so the boxer cant play. So I taught her by saying Be Nice, you share and it has worked!!! she still takes them but as soon as I say Noo Be Nice she either drops the ball so he can take it back or she wont take it away when I see her going for it. if they were alone forget it she would have both though. I also taught them the words Go Play- when I say that its like romper room here they get their toys and actually play with eachother. the be nice issue lots of treats I had to give to persuade her, oh the best is if Abby takes Stolis bone he comes running to me as to tell on her jumping straight up and down barking to get me to go to her and when I take away the bone and say be nice she wags her tail and when I give stoli back his bone he is sooooo happy and runs around the house. I swear they are human!

oh edited to say I also taught them the saying- what do you got ? this is when they have something in their mouth I dont recognize and when I say what do you got they immediately drop it out of their mouth. Again I swear they are human. with the american bulldog my dad is always in shock when I tell Abby to get your dish and put it in the cage- just once and she does it. the boxer ehhhh doesnt work! its scary what you can teach dogs as pets not training dogs.

Message edited 3/16/2006 5:47:47 PM.