How can my dog distinguish between his toys and other items?

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Trouble's

Okay- I don't want dumb answers here.

My 7 1/2 yr old yellow lab is a great dog. He has many toys that he's tough on and loves- but never touches our kids' toys (NOT ONCE in 5 years we've had him has even attempted to chew on, play with them), even if they are made of similar material, squeak, similar colors, etc. How is this? Is it just good training? Is it that he recognizes what's his by smell, sight, sound, memory? How does this work? Again, don't give me a dumb answer- it's a serious question.
Thanks for the answers. I'm especially asking because we got a puppy (about 5 months old) and I'd like to find a way for her to mimic our lab's good habits as much as possible.

Answer
Well you did an excellent job with training the dog. It is smell and sight and the fact that he knows they are your childrens things by the smell on them. I'm sure you had alot mor to do with it than you realize.

How do I explain to my neighbors that any time my 3 yr old daughter plays outside, it's not an open invitation?

.Brian T

For them to let their 3 & 4 year olds to come over unsupervised and steel my kids toys? I've tried explaining to them the difference between keeping an eye on my good kid, and suddenly having two more little heathens to look after. The best I get from them is after their kids have been over for about a half hour, they'll yell over if it's ok.
I often have to let them know when their kids are are riding their big wheels down the road.

Answer
I have no answer for this, other than to say, that's what you get for having kids. You get what you give, buddy.

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