Chewing Solutions
The following is adapted from the article, PREVENTING
DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING
By Sarah Wilson, Greatpets.com
All puppies chew. What you can control, both for his
safety and your sanity, is what the pup chews.
Controlling unwanted chewing is not difficult. Here
are the basics:
* Accept the Inevitable
Your puppy will chew. He isn't a bad puppy. He isn't
defiant.
He's just a pup. Some pups, like Retrievers, chew a
great deal for a long time. Many such dogs can't be
left unsupervised until they are two or more years
old. Don't rush things.
Behavior is much easier to prevent than to change.
* Supply Good Toys
Good toys mean safe, long-lasting dog toys not used
human items. Dog toys teach him to focus his chewing
urges on rubber, nylon or non-splintering bones. Used
human items encourage him to seek out fabric or things
that smell strongly of you.
* Supervise
If you can't see him, you can't help him make the
right choices. He has to be in your sight all the time
or confined (during the training phase).
If you see him starting on a table leg, tell him
sharply (not loudly) to "Leave it!" then redirect him
to a toy and praise him. Whenever you give your dog a
'No,' give him a 'Yes' as well.
* Deter
There are plenty of anti-chew products that a pet
owner should apply to all electrical cords a pup can
reach. That way, if you miss the moment, your pup will
not be hurt and he will get yet another lesson in what
should not be chewed.
Such simple measures will get you through puppyhood
with minimal damage.
WHY DID MY DOG START CHEWING?
"My Yorkie Toby, who is now 10 months old, has always
been a very good puppy up until last month when he
started chewing on everything in sight. He has ruined
many shoes, belts and furniture and doesn't understand
why he can't continue chewing on what he wants. How
can I train him to chew
on his own stuff? Toby has tons of chew bones and
toys, but isn't very interested in them anymore. Is it
time to replace his toys with new ones?"
SARAH'S COMMENTS
Since Toby was a nonchewer up until last month, this
situation begs the question -- what happened last
month? Did someone move out or in? Did a work schedule
change? Is he chewing when you are home? Does he make
sure you see him chewing or "sneak" off to chew?
Regardless, here's what I would do:
* Keep him in sight, on lead or confined in a crate
or small room.
* Put away things he likes to chew.
* Keep doors closed to rooms you do not want him in.
* Work on his "Leave it" and "Out" commands.
* Teach him to work for a living -- perform a
positive behavior in order to earn attention, food,
treats, walks, and playtime. This will help establish
you as leader and prompt him to pay attention to you.
* Give him more exercise.
* Stay CALM when you see him chewing. If need be, let
him drag a leash around attached to a FLAT,
nontightening collar WHEN YOU ARE HOME so you can
easily get a hold of him to CALMLY remove
the item if he chews on something.
* When possible, apply an anti-chew product at items
he likes to gnaw on.
* Stuff a sterilized bone or small Kong toy with
cheese or peanut butter. Kongs are excellent chew
toys. For creative ways to use them, see
http://www.kongcompany.com/how2use.html
* Rotate his toys to help keep him interested in
them.
* If he is on puppy food, consider changing him to a
good quality adult food.
Interested in dogs who are less likely to chew? Stay
tuned for next week's tip about Senior Dogs.
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