A great many dog owners -- even you, perhaps -- are unable to spend lots of time training their dogs. And certainly you can love your dog -- and she can love you -- even if she doesn't do fancy tricks to entertain you and your friends. But there are two basic commands that will take you only a little time each day to teach your dog; these commands could someday save your puppy's life.
If you take the relatively small amount of time required to teach your puppy the "leave it" and "drop it" commands, you can prevent her from engaging in particularly risky behavior -- stuff like eating rat poison, spoiled food, and other stuff that won't agree with her digestive trace.
Here's what you do: While you're walking with your puppy on a leash, deliberately go past a tempting item, such as a toy or food (which you've already placed there for training purposes). When your puppy tries to pick it up, you give a short, quick yank on the leash and say, "Leave it."
Praise your puppy effusively when she obeys. Praise and a pat on the head work as well as a treat at this point. In fact, giving her a treat not to eat something might be a little confusing. See whether you can't accomplish teaching this trick using only praise and encouragement.
An alternative method you might consider for teaching the "Leave It" command to your puppy, try this. Hold a treat in your tightly-closed fist. When your puppy noses your hand, trying to get to the treat, say, "Leave it." Keep your fist tightly closed. When she stops nosing your hand, praise her and give a "release" command such as "OK." Then let her have the treat. Continue this training until she will sit quietly, not grabbing a treat thats right in front of her, until you say, "OK."
Should your puppy pick up a forbidden item, say, "Drop it!" and walk over to her. If she refuses to release the forbidden item, tempt her with a treat in exchange for the item. When she drops what she shouldn't have picked up in the first place, praise her and give her the substitute item. Try to make this more attractive that the forbidden item.
Do not chase your puppy if she runs away -- she will just think you're playing a nice, new game. Rather, ignore her and get a treat for yourself -- a treat you know your puppy likes. Where the puppy can see you and come to you, start to eat the treat (or pretend to eat it, if you must).
Dramatize how Really Great It Tastes. When your puppy approaches, give the "Drop It!" command and exchange the treat for the forbidden item. Again, enthusiastically praise her for her obedience. When the treat has vanished, offer her one of her toys.
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