Oliver is crazy for socks

Is he trained at all? When Charlie gets into to anything these days, I ask for a sit or a down and reward him for the appropriate behavior. He also started bringing me my dirty socks, paper towels, dusting rags, etc. I just say "thank you, what a good boy", give him a treat in exchange (we have them set out all over the house), and off he goes happy as a clam. He now brings most of his "finds" to me in exchange for a treat and doesn't tear anything up. It doesn't stop him taking them, but it does end the chase game and the ploy for negative attention. If that doesn't work, I've been known to use short time outs when positive redirection doesn't work. We've gone to 100% positive reinforcement (except for the rare time out), and have had an amazing turn around in behavour for cats, dogs, and people!

No, he's really not trained. He does know the sit command, but that's about it. He definitely knows the word treat, too. I will try out your suggestion. Charlie sounds like a dream! I hope to get Oliver to that point one of these days. Thanks for the help!

LOL! Don't get me wrong, Charlie has been no dream, unless you're referencing bad ones! If you want examples, read back through his and my posts. He came to me abused, neglected, and scared half out of his wits. Its taken 18 months and three classes to get him they way he is now. I wouldn't trade him for the world (he's the smartest, most loving dog I've ever had), we're through the worst, and are working out the last of the issues. Its just all about kindness and redirection to what you want. Don't look at it as "I want X behavour to stop". Look at it like "I want X to happen instead of the bad thing". Then, you just train the wanted behavior! Send me an email if you want some examples of good books and/or trainers.

Have you tried squirting him with water? That should startle him and make him back away then you reward for being away. It sounds more like he is the boss and not you. You need to be the pack leader so he shows you respect. We just got a puppy and she is a handful. Shes already trying to chew on our hands and clothes but good discipline should stop her from escalating.