Secrets to Dog Training Weekly Newsletter
1 - 2 - 3 - 4: He’s not chewing any more
Dogs chew. It’s what they do. They enjoy it and it keeps their teeth and gums healthy and maintains jaw strength. Mercifully, dogs can be taught what they may and may not chew.
Here are four steps every dog owner should take to encourage “constructive chewing.”
1. Prevent. Dog proof your home, especially from puppies. They can be very creative in what they chew. Anything not removable that might be targeted can be sprayed with a deterrent, such as Bitter Apple.
2. Interrupt. Teach “Leave it” or “Drop.” Use these commands when they take something into their jaws that shouldn’t be there. Never shout at or smack your pet for their chewing mistakes. This will simply frighten them and make them distrustful. Keep calm and remove what they’re chewing.
3. Redirect. Teach them which toys are theirs to chew. Replace your treasure with an appropriate toy. You will learn which toys they like best. Try many different toys to encourage constructive chewing. The best ones, like dental chew ropes, will promote healthy teeth and gums.
4. Praise. This final step is important to remember!
Why do they do it?
Dogs enjoy chewing. It’s a soothing activity that helps pass time. A dog that’s pining for your company will target items that she associates with you - things that smell like you, in particular, like bedding, shoes or your favorite jacket. It’s not “revenge” on you for leaving her behind, it’s her instinct to chew applied to something that reminds her of you. So provide your dog with a fantastic variety of chews and toys to keep her happy.
“Destructive chewing,” originates because your dog needs something that she’s not getting – like company or exercise – and is different from the chewing that takes place simply because your dog likes to chew.
Most dogs will grow out of the chewing phase about the same time as they figure out what’s chewable and what’s not. If the problem continues, it is likely to be an expression of nervous energy due to lack of exercise.
Exercise
Active time together spent walking, jogging, or playing fetch, is much better than time spent just hanging out together at home. Time spent exercising together fulfils three of your dog’s instinctive needs at the same time: the need for companionship, the need to follow the leader (you), and the need to roam.
A brisk 15-minute walk is simply not enough for many dogs, and barely a warm-up for a Border Collie. As a general rule, most dogs need a minimum of 30 – 60 minutes vigorous exercise every day. Old or injured dogs, and some of the more sedentary breeds, are the exceptions.
Figure out your dog’s exercise needs and make sure you meet them.
You can ask your vet, browse online or take a look at the Kingdom of Pets breed library
(http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/index.php).
Remember, exercise is different from a play session or an outing to the park and, like humans, your dog benefits from a decent warm-up and warm-down session.
If works gets in the way …
Get up earlier and take your dog for a walk. This is the best thing you can do for your dog before leaving in the morning: she gets time with you and clocks up some mileage at the same time.
Come home on your lunch break and check up on your dog. Take her out for a 15 minute walk, or just play a quick game of Frisbee. You can eat your lunch at your desk afterwards.
When you come home after work, grab a quick snack and head out to the park with your dog. Dinner can wait until you get home.
Don’t
Don’t expect to train your dog not to chew. Chewing is as natural to dogs as breathing. The best you can aim for is to channel your dog’s chewing towards appropriate objects.
Never
Never tell your dog off for destroying property unless you catch her in the act.
Dogs have no accurate concept of time, and you really do need to catch her red-handed - or at least within 30 seconds of the action taking place - for the reprimand to have any effect. Yelling later than that will do no good. She won’t understand what you’re on about.
And honestly, it really is your responsibility to keep your treasures out of reach and provide chewing alternatives.
All the best,
Daniel Stevens and the Secrets to Dog Training Team
"Secrets to Dog Training - STOP Dog Behavior Problems!"
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/
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