Dog Chewing Problem: Things You Must Do To Get Rid Of This Problem

Dog’s chewing problem is very annoying for its owner .Few of my friends are very frustrated with this habit of their puppy .They often ask from others why dogs keep on chewing and how to stop them from doing this ridiculous thing .Through this article I will try to solve the problem of various dog owner who are dealing with same issue.

Let me clarify the fact why do dogs chew on everything .Main reason behind this activity is  to keep their jaws and teeth healthy and strong .Some dogs chew when they are free and they have nothing to do .Puppies mostly chews in their teething stage .Sometime dogs chew just to get attention of their owner .Another dog chewing problem is if they are afraid of something like fireworks ,loud noise etc .These sort of problems also develop Chewing Problems in dog .Chewing is not a big issue unless or until your dog started chewing things which are precious for you .There are several electrical wires ,poisonous stuff and other precious stuff which you will never allow your dog to chew .If your dog is trying to chew almost everything ,it’s the right time to teach him properly to get rid of this habit .

Next thing you want to make your dog free from this habit of chewing .There are several ways to throw this habit out from the life of your dog .First step is to keep an eye on his chewing habits .Keep all expensive things away from reach of your dog .In few cases ,dogs have only particular likings in case of chewing .For example some dogs only chew furniture while other chew shoes and  sleepers .In this case ,try to wrap all those stuff with some non toxic substance having foul smell .This method very rarely works but still there is no harm in using this method .Try to say firm “no” if he is chewing in front of you .Try to replace it with another chew toy .Proper training and well disciplined behavior also sometime make dogs free from habit of unnecessary chewing .Proper exercise and indulging your dog   in playing is must whenever you notice him chewing some stuff .There are several tasty dog chew available in market .Try to provide these stuff to your dog in initial stage so that he may not start chewing other things .Always try to indulge your dog into games or other sort of work because I have noticed that mostly dog chews when they have nothing to do .Some dogs chew when they find themselves alone .So try to spend  more and more time with your dog .

It is always important to find the reason behind chewing problem of your dog .I have explained most common reasons of Dog Chewing and solutions to get rid of this problem .By finding reason of chewing ,we can easily get rid of this problem by following steps explained. Good luck and enjoy life the most beautiful and faithful animal.

Find More Dog Chews Articles

Did You Know There are Extremely Toxic Plants for Dogs?

As summer winds down and autumn is just around the corner, our dogs continue to spend a lot of time outdoors.  The fresh air and exercise are great for their health.

Many of us are not even aware that these plants can be harmful.  Unfortunately, these are very common plants.  They are in park settings.  You can find them growing wild as you go on nature walks with your dog in the woods.  But you can also find them in your landscaped yards.

– These are very hardy shrubs that produce beautiful flowers.  These are some of the most popular ornamental shrubs that are grown.

The plant’s leaves and nectar can be very toxic and even lethal in very small amounts.  They can be toxic if eaten or chewed by your dog.

This can result in drooling, vomiting, muscle weakness, and collapse.  Larger ingested amounts can lead to severe poisoning, potential coma, and sometimes death.

– These beautiful plants are best known for blooming in the early fall.  But the flowers of these plants actually contain a natural insecticide.  If your dog chews on the plant’s flowers, this insecticide can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.  

]]>

– This is a beautiful shrub most used in the deep southern section of the United States.  But this plant happens to be one of the most poisonous plants in the world.  Even extremely small quantities of Oleander can be very toxic, many times resulting in a fatal response.  

With the Azalea and Rhododendron, only part of the plant is toxic.  But every part of the Oleander is toxic.  This includes the flowers down to the roots.  

If your dog chews on any part of this plant, the result is varying degrees of sickness.  This includes anywhere from an upset stomach to abnormal heart function and sometimes death. 

The plant’s sap can irritate the skin and eyes.  The leaves are still toxic even after they are dried.

– These plants are most used in areas where the climate is hot and dry.  But they are also used in other parts of the country.  The whole plant has harmful chemicals.  But its seeds are by far the most toxic.  Research shows that as much as 75% of dogs eating some of the seeds will die.  

Sago Palm poisoning of dogs and cats has risen by 200% in the last few years.  Dogs seem to enjoy its seeds more than cats.  Ingestion of any part of the Sago Palm can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.  

It’s extremely important that if your pet is exposed to any of these toxic plants, you should contact your veterinarian.  Just like any toxins or poisons, the sooner your pet gets treatment the better.  

– Foxtail is a weed that resembles the tail of a fox.  It is prevalent in late spring through early fall.  It is most dangerous in the late summer when the seeds are dry.

When the pods release the seeds, the seeds are covered with small barb-like fish hooks.  This can be very dangerous to your dog if he brushes up against the seeds.  They can get caught in his hair, pierce the skin, and in some cases, be inhaled.  

If the seeds are imbedded in the skin, they are so small that it is difficult to find them.  In some cases, they may spread to other parts of the body, causing severe infections.

If your dog comes in contact with foxtails, he should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.  All 5 of these toxic plants for dogs should be taken very seriously.

Related Dog Chewing Tail Articles

How To Stop Dog Chewing

Almost everybody that has ever had a dog has given up some socks, slippers or the corner of their favorite chair to the chewing routine of their friendly canine. Instead of asking “what can I do to keep my dog from chewing things up” you need to ask “what can I do to redirect my dog from chewing things up”.

Stopping your dogs chewing is not going to be eliminated fully . Chewing is part of your dogs life.

Provide your dog with plenty of items to choose from since you know he needs something to chew on.

Chew toys like stuffed animals, rope bones and rubber toys should be provided. Put a fair amount of these toys in each of the rooms that your pet likes to hang out in. This should speed things along and help to keep your pet from gnawing on the expensive items.

Prevent Dog From Chewing

]]>

Take the time to look the toys over every so often and eliminate those that are worn. Try all kinds of toys until your dog finds the ones that he really loves the most.

Screaming and hollering when your dog is chewing on something he shouldn’t be is very unlikely going to cure the problem. Instead of punishing your pet, let’s go ahead and reinforce the positive.

Right as your dog starts to tear up the newspaper, give a crisp “NOOO” and flip him his favorite toy. Whenever you see your dog grab her own chew toy instead of something else, give her some praise.

Stop Dog From Chewing

Another way to go about it is to make the chewing an unpleasant experience.

You can try what is known as the scat mat. Scatter them around in the areas that you want your dog to avoid. The little plastic spikes of the scat mat are harmless they just poke your dog if he stands on it.

Another way to go would be to apply a bad tasting formula or bitters onto the object that you don’t want your pet chewing on. You should be able to find these things at the nearest pet store. These may not be your best options, but they are options.

Remember, dogs are going to chew, just try to direct the chewing towards the proper objects.

Dog Behavior Problems

Insider Secrets to Stop Dog Destructive Chewing: Rules You Must Follow

Imagine how you will feel tomorrow if you learn that your dog has chewed up your favorite pair of shoes. You are going to be pretty mad, right?

If you have a dog, you know that well known feeling of resentment when the dog destructive chewing ruined your newly bought shoes or the tennis racket. The instinct to chew is more in some kind of dogs and less in others.

Here are three reasons why dogs chew:

* It is their inborn instinct to chew. If given appropriate toys to chew on, they can somewhat satisfy their need to chew. It is this instinct that makes the dogs chew up the furniture leg, shoe or a telephone cord.

* Dogs need attention and love just as much as children. Dog destructive chewing is most of the times the result of how some dogs handle stress and anxiety.

* Dogs who do not get enough exercise may chew to get rid of that extra energy.

Lots of patience, training and positive reinforcement are necessary if you want that destructive chewing to stop.

]]>

Dog proof your house. Prevent destructive chewing before it happens. Put away all the things you do not want your dog to chew on.

Do not give your dog old socks or shoes to chew on as this blurs the line and confuses the dog. Then the dog has no idea what is okay to chew and what is not.

Provide your dog with plenty of alternatives for chewing. Sterilized beef bones, chew bones, and dog toys keep your dog entertained and distract from the destructive chewing.

Be sure you are spending time watching over your dog so that you can correct any bad behavior while it is happening.

Come up with a sound that you can make when you catch your dog chewing. You do not want to hit or yell, as this will be counter productive to your dog trusting you. You might want to use a water spray bottle to startle your dog when they are chewing something to let them know it is wrong.

Be patient when teaching and training your dog .The dog destructive chewing will stop eventually if you help him recognize the only things he can chew.

It is common knowledge that DESTRUCTIVE DOG CHEWING can be stopped within days using the right method. Yelling, hitting and punishing just does not work. It harms your relationship with your beloved dog. There is a free email course you can study where you will discover exactly how to stop DESTRUCTIVE DOG CHEWING immediately. Take the course and save your shoes!

Visit my website www.TopPuppy.com – This video will show how to stop bad behaviors in puppies and dogs. Such as, jumping, chewing, nipping,barking, digging, and whatever puppy problems com your way,
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Related Stop Dogs From Chewing Articles

Buying Toys For Your Dog

Depending on the breed, size and age of your dog, they may prefer a particular toy over others. In fact, while it may not be a toy at all, some dogs may become attached to an inanimate object much like a child will hang on to a security blanket.

Squeak Toys

Generally, dogs love toys that squeak; especially as puppies. It doesn’t matter what shape or color it is, as long as it squeaks, it generally becomes a favorite. Dogs love to squeak the toy and sound will always catch their attention if you want to initiate play with them.

Dog Toy Tip #1:

* Get a toy that squeaks and is durable. If it’s a furry toy with a squeaker, it helps if it is washable.
* Avoid purchasing a squeaky toy that can easily be torn; a dog can choke on the squeaker.

Fetch Toys

Taking your dog to a dog park or other area where they can run about is an important part of their exercise regimen. As such, bringing along the Frisbee or tennis ball will give your dog hours of pleasure. To create a longer experience for you and your pup, there are a lot of choices for “fetch” toys including ChuckIt! ball launchers and Air Kong that make it easier for the human to throw the ball or toy further with less effort.

Dog Toy Tip #2:

* Get a Frisbee, tennis balls and/or other appropriate “fetch” toys for your dog’s age and size.
* Ensure that the toy is not made of hard plastic or other materials that could harm your pup.

Chew Toys

Dogs, especially puppies, love to chew on just about anything. When caught in the act of chewing on something inappropriate such as a shoe or your furniture, quickly say, “No!” and replace it with an appropriate chew toy and praise them for chewing the toy. Let them know that it’s OK to chew, but they must limit their chewing to what you deem to be OK.

While plastic bones are widely available, dogs prefer bones they can readily chew such as rawhide. There are also some great cloth and felt toys that are long-lasting and are good for teething pups.

Dog Toy Tip #3:

* Get bully sticks or bones made of vegetable material or rawhide.
* Keep an eye on your dogs when chewing these toys; remove them as they get too small and become a choking hazard.

Treat Toys

Dogs particularly love toys that have a secret compartment wherein you can place a treat. These are great to use as a

reward or to keep your pup busy during times that you want them to be occupied without your direct supervision such as when you are eating or otherwise engaged.

Dog Toy Tip #4

* Get a rubber toy like a “Kong”, a heavy duty toy with a hole in the center in which treats are placed; Kongs come in all sizes with treat types for different age and size dogs.
* Beware of cheap toys that are made of plastic or that can be easily chewed; i.e., empty water bottles or anything of a thin plastic material. Dogs can break them and choke on or cut their gums on the pieces.

The truth is, you can easily make a toy out of an old sock. Make some large knots in it and your dog will be perfectly happy. But when buying a dog toy, it is important to read the label to ensure it is safe, does not contain any lead or other toxins, and will be durable.

Purchase a variety of toys and let your dog choose the ones which they prefer.If you are a pet owner, you know from experience that once a dog is given a toy that squeaks, for example, the squeak won’t last forever. Keep a small cache of favorites and other toys and switch them up; put some away and take out others.

Remember that matter what you spend or how many toys you supply to your pet, it’s always going to be YOU that they enjoy the most.

The Basenji Dog Facts

The Basenji Dog Facts

The Basenji dog is a wonderfully unique breed of dog. Handsome, muscular and powerful, he is also known as the African Barkless Dog, Lagos Bush Dogs or Congo Terriers. They may not bark, but they do create unique noises from their throats that from a throaty crow to a keening wail made when they are feeling lonely or sad.

Origin and History:

The Basenji originates from central Africa – Zaire and the Congo it is believed. They were bred from pariah dogs and, although it cannot be substantiated, thought to have been initially bred for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. We know from historical records that pharaohs were given Basenji as gifts.

Eventually, the Basenji slowly moved down towards central Africa. They were used by the African people to catch reed rats in the Congo area. These rats would eat the people’s food supplies and so a good hunting dog was needed. The Basenji was used to point, drive and retrieve game into nets, as well as tracking wounded prey.

The breed became better known during the late 19th century when an explorer took a pair of these dogs back to England with them in 1895. However, these dogs soon died.

The breed was reintroduced into England during the 1930’s. This was around the same time when a Mrs. Byron Rodgers brought a pair into America. Here, a litter of puppies were born but except for the eldest male, all died from distemper. A bitch named Congo was imported in 1941 by Alexander Phemster. From these two came a successful litter of puppies. Soon, others were imported from England and Canada, and became extremely popular.

Breed Standard:

The head of a Basenji should be wedge-shaped with dark hazel almond eyes, showing his wonderful personality and mischievousness. He should have a wrinkled brow. Ears should be short and erect, slightly hooded and set forward upon the head.

The neck of a Basenji is arched, leading into relaxed shoulders and a medium sized chest. The obvious waist size gives a Basenji that dignified and elegant look to him. Forelegs and hindquarters should be straight, powerful and leading to small, narrow feet. Tails can be single or doubled curled over the back.

The most common colours of their coats are black, red, and black and tan. The chest, feet and tips of the tails are nearly always white. Coats are short, silky and smooth. In colder countries, some Basenji has coarser coats.

The average height and weight of a male Basenji dog is 16 – 17 inches (41 – 43 cm) and 22 – 26 pounds (10 – 12kg). Bitches are 15 – 16 inches (38 – 41 cm) and 20 – 25 pounds (9 – 11kg).

Personality:

The Basenji is a friendly dog, but can be somewhat aloof with strangers. Highly intelligent, independent and affectionate, Basenjis’ are very playful. In addition to this, they can be very destructive – chewing remotes, clothes etc. Owners will soon learn to put all clothes in the hampers with a Basenji around.

Basenji does not make good companions with cats – they prefer to chase them around the garden. As long as they are well socialised and handled from an early age, the Basenji can make a great companion or family pet. They will get on great with children as long as they know who is boss.

Due to their high energy levels, the Basenji would not be suited for those families living in apartments. They need a large fenced-in garden and lots of walks. Due to their inquisitive nature, it is recommended that they should stay on the lead.

Health Issues:

Unfortunately, there are several health issues that plague the Basenji. One of these is Fanconi’s syndrome, a dysfunction of the proximal kidney tubules. Others include Pyruvate kinase deficiency and Lymphagectasia.

Kennel Clubs:

The Basenji was recognised in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1944.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/basenji/

More Dog Chewing Tail Articles

The Best Toys For Your Dogs

Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s 2003-2004 Pet Owners’ Survey, more than half of dog owners purchase toys for their dogs.

Playing with toys is not the monopoly of little kids but also pets of different kind. Dogs have their own sets of toys to enjoy during their playing time.

Dogs benefit from these toys, health and training wise. There are dog toys that can strengthen their teeth or build their intelligence especially if they also attend a series of training classes with the experts. Like man, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with their companion or a sibling dog is very important in avoiding behavioral problems in the future.

When buying toys for your dog, you may want to match them with your dog’s needs, demands and even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoys chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting and sprawling? You may want to try experimenting first to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.

Before going on a toy hunt, take a look at this list of toys that may help you identify the right kind of toy for your dog.

* CHEW TOYS. These are perfect for the dog that likes to chew a lot. Instead of your dog chewing your furniture, why not buy these TOUGH little babies for them. These types of dog toy are usually made of nylon or latex rubber. The “King Kong Toys” are among the popular brands of chew toys. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with peanut butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give them to your dog for hours of licking and chewing fun.

Doggie “potato chips” is also a favorite. These “edible chips” can last to a minimum of an hour to a couple of days. They are available in different shapes like pig ears, snouts, cow knuckles, femurs, hooves and bully sticks. Others are bone-shaped made from a variety of vegetables such as carrots.

Another good toy for your dog’s chewing pleasure is the rawhide. These are non- consumable, mummified skin-like toy that you have to throw away when they get soggy, and give your dog a new one. Some rawhides are basted with a variety of flavorings. Be sure to get the “USA rawhide” with a little flag sticker on the label because these do not contain preservative flavorings that are harmful for your dogs.

SQUEAKY TOYS. For these toys, choose the rubber over the stuffed toys for durability and to avoid synthetic materials. These little noisemakers are good for training your dog’s hunting skills.

RETRIEVING TOYS. These are perfect for the chase-and-retrieve types of dogs. Dogs enjoy these toys because they get to play with you. Frisbees and balls made specifically for this activity, are the best to be used. Your dog will get a good workout and so is your arm.

TUG TOYS. These toys are best for dogs that like to grab hold and never let go. Available in rope-like designs.

BRAIN TEASERS. Best for dogs that is left alone a lot. “Biscuit balls” and “food cubes” are great examples. These toys require the dog to solve types of puzzle in order to get a treat.

Various toys of these forms are available in the market.

1. For Chewers of all Sizes

SQUIRREL DUDE – tough, durable and fun too; this hollow rubber chew toy takes on a new level in innovation; this helps to exercise your dog’s jaw a little more with the four little rubber prongs blocking the hole slightly that the dog has to work a little harder to get the goodies out.

2. Ball Launchers and Throwers (Retrieve Toys)

FRISBEES – is an all-time favorite dog toy especially the soft version; fold to fit in a pocket; comes in blue and orange colors, size six to nine inches, prices at eleven to sixteen dollars.

THE ROUND ORBEE – a tough ball hallowed with ½ inch thick membraney surface and it’s softish; it is flexible, durable, grippy, bouncy, and buoyant and has a peppermint scent; good for sniffing-and-getting-the- ball game; prices at five to twelve dollars depending on the size and form you choose

3. Squeaky Toys

SQUEAKERS – available in packages of ten each; dogs that love to silence squeakers are the best for this toy; excellent as attention and pocket squeaker as well; prices go lower if you buy in packages, from five to three dollars each box/package.

4. Tug Toys

LEATHER TUGS – great for tug-of-war games with your dog; made of high grade leather, 3/8 inches thick, tanned and not-treated; dogs like them a lot especially those with active lifestyle.

THE MONGO FETCH TOY – a chew and tug toy combined in one; the natural rubber bar is vanilla scented; rope running through the center gives you a grip for tug games and the soft tasseled ends are made for exciting action with your dogs; medium to large in size, from five to seven dollars each.

5. Brain Teasers

I CUBE – this is a toy that challenges and develops your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills; be sure you are there for supervision; available in junior and jumbo sizes, six to eleven dollars.

DUCK EGG BABY – egg Babies are a plush toy with three squeaker eggs inside; there is an opening on the bottom of the toy so your dog can get the hidden treasures inside; this is a toy that challenges and develops your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills too.

Toys are a fun way to enjoy with your dog in a sunny day at the park. But be sure to apply proper safety measures especially when playing with balls, sticks and stones. You do not want to harm them in any way. Remember, this is a dog-eat-dog world! Even as harmless as playing can cause indestructible damage to your dog.

Mihail Fortomas is a teacher of Biology in a High School of Athens Greece. For the dog owner who wants dog health care information – everything for Dog Diseases and Treats, Foods and Diet, visit:

If you need more data regarding dog toys check out Squeaky Dog Toy

A Good Dog Can Bring Happiness To Your Life

Okay, I know many of you are thinking that by “good dog” I’m talking about a well trained, well behaved dog who does everything they are told and never chews on anything, barks, or digs. Well, I’m not. At least not completely anyway. I’m talking about the dog that is truly your best friend. The good ol’ dog that rides around with you wherever you go and always seems to know just how you feel. Have you ever had a dog with so much personality you wondered if they might be part human? My dad had a dog like this. I have a couple of them too. Let me tell you about them and you will know just how much you can love a “good dog”.

When I was in high school, my dad went to our local Humane Society and adopted a puppy. She was the cutest thig you ever saw. I know, ALL puppies are cute, but she was a different kind of cute. She was a white labrador mix with a big smile and a tail that curved up just a little and was very good at sweeping everything off the shelves in his parts store. We named her Dusty. Now, it would take several pages to tell you everything about her so I will do my best to shorten it and just hit the highlights. Dusty became my dad’s best friend in a hurry. He would take her anywhere he went and even though she never had a formal training, she was loved by everyone and was perfectly content to just sit by the door of any business and wait for him to come back out. She wouldn’t leave that door until he came out and headed for his truck. She wore sunglasses like they were made for her and enjoyed being dressed up for halloween or just because. She rode on my dad’s quadrunner with him. She would sit right in front of him wearing his jacket and a pair of dark sunglasses. She knew that if the quad strated to roll she needed to jump clear of it so she wouldn’t get hurt. She loved the snow. Dad would make boots for her out of medical tape, then she would scope out a good snow covered hill, walk back aways, then run full out towards the hill. When she would get to a certain point, she would flip over on her back and slide down the hill. i remember one time she had her front feet up on the couch, Dad told her to sit. She kind of wiggled her butt one way, then wiggled it the other way, then tried to sit without taking her front feet off the couch. This resulted in her rolling completely over onto her back! The funniest part of the whole thing was the look on her face. She was surprided that she couldn’t sit that way. Dad always said that she was a typical woman, she always had to have the last word. She had a way of grumbling back at him when he would say something to her. Even if he yelled at her for something she would grumble back at him. He would say something and she would grumble again. This could go on for hours if you let and every time she would get in the last word. Dad lost Dusty a few years ago and was heartbroken. She was pretty old for a dog her size when she passed away but to him it felt like losing a close family member.

I had a mini Dachshund named Little Guy for eleven years. He was a lot of fun. Like Dusty, Little Guy went with is everywhere. He learned at a young age how to open presents. At Christmas we had to keep all the presents out of his reach. He always got something from us though. The fun thing about it is, he only wanted what was in the paper. He would tear the paper to the point that he could get the toy or treat out then he was done. Once we had kids, he would help them unwrap their gifts when he was done with his. The kids were delighted to watch him tear at the paper and help take out the toy. He helped me raise three orphan kittens and was always a good companion. He was about five when we had our first son. He was a little grumpy at irst but then he would never leave their sides. He was one of our kids before we even thought about having kids. We lost him a few years ago to pneumonia at the ripe old age of eleven.

We now have two mini doxies and a black Lab. They all have their own personalities, and each one is totally different from the other. Lou likes to climb up on playsets with the kids or by himself and go down the slides. No, we don’t make him go down that way, he just has fun on the slides. Lou is our oldest mimi doxie and is now four. Copper is our other mini doxie. he is one and a half and smiles a lot. he uses his front feet like hands and if you tell him ” I’m gonna kick your butt!” he rolls over smiles and puts his “hands” in the air next to his head as if to say, “I give up!” He loves to cuddle but is afraid of Nerf dart guns, any piece of paper, and several other things. This has us a bit confused because we’ve had him since a puppy and he has not been beaten or anything. He is like one of the kids to us. Our newest member of the Family is Jack, he is a one and a half year old black lab. Jack is very well behaved for his age. He slept in a crate in the garage at his previous home so you can imagine his delight at having a big cozy dog bed in the master bedroom at our house. He gets so excited when we say it’s bedtime that he darn near takes out everything in his path on the way to the stairs. In the morning you can just forget about getting him out of bed before he is ready. He’s not moving. Jack loves to swim more than any dog I’ve ever met. Our pool is gated but when we open the gate he runs right in and straight into the pool. He loves fetching toys from the pool and is the most fun to watch when he is jumping in.

So you see, None of these dogs have had any real formal training yet they bring happiness and a large dose of personality to out lives. They make us smile, laugh, and when we sit and just pet them, they help us to relax. I suppose this is why so many dogs get to go visit people in hospitals and recovery and retirement homes. If you are trying to decide on a dog, be patient, and don’t be picky on the breed. One day you will look at a dog, he will look at you, and he will decide that he’s going home with you.

Ten Tips To Stop Puppy Chewing Before Your House Looks Like A Demolition Zone

Let’s face it, puppies and chewing go together like bread and butter.  Puppies learn about their surroundings by either sniffing on something or putting it in their mouths and chewing on it.  Puppies chew on things, but to avoid destructive chewing, it’s up to their owners to teach them which items are off-limits.  Here are ten ways to stop puppy chewing and destruction.

1. Take Time To Puppy-proof Your Home

Instead of always yelling at your pup for getting into things, it’s better to temporarily put away things you don’t want him to damage.  Pick up the throw rugs, put the plants someplace where he can’t get to them, and cover or tape down electrical wires.  Put trash bins in the closet, along with the toilet paper and any household cleaners.  Put your clothes and shoes away.  Secure anything heavy that a puppy could pull down and hurt himself.

2. Give Him Only Two Or Three Toys At A Time

If your puppy has too many toys, he’ll have a hard time learning what belongs to him and what belongs to you.  Plus he’ll get bored with his toys after a couple of days.  That’s when you put those toys up and give him different ones.  

3. Confine Him Safely To One Place

If you’re not able to keep an eye on your puppy, it’s best to confine him to a safe area where he can’t destroy anything or get hurt.  Using a wire-reinforced puppy gate to keep him in one room works well.  Using a crate that’s the right size for him is also recommended.  Puppies often feel more secure in a small, protected den area like a crate.  It also gives you peace of mind because you destructive chewing isn’t happening in your absence.

4. Lots And Lots Of Exercise Is Essential

Your pup needs one to two hours of active exercise outside every day.  Playing fetch with a ball or other toy can help to stop puppy chewing, too, as well as using up all that excess energy all puppies have.

5. A Puppy Playmate Can Help, Too

Playing with another puppy will also use up his energy, as well as teaching him how to interact with other dogs.

6. Begin Basic Dog Obedience Training Even Though He’s Still Young

Keep the sessions very short.  A young puppy can’t concentrate too long, but a 30-second “mini-session” several times a day is a good start.  Don’t ignore training opportunities as they arise during the day.  Correcting small problem behaviors as they occur will prevent them from becoming big problem behaviors in a few months.

7. Find An Agility Training Course For Him

These classes are a lot of fun, plus your puppy is getting lots of exercise while he’s becoming more coordinated and confident.  This is a win-win situation for both of you.

8. Use A Bitter-Tasting Spray

If your puppy just won’t leave the sofa leg alone, try spraying it with a bitter-tasting substance.  These sprays are available at pet stores, and they can be very effective in convincing your puppy that he doesn’t want to chew on the chair leg after all.

9. Don’t Punish Him After The Fact

You can’t stop puppy chewing by punishing him for something he did several hours ago.  Dogs live in the present.  Your pup can’t connect the fact that he chewed up your shoe two hours ago with your being upset now that you’ve just found it.  

You either have to catch him in the act of chewing, or better yet, prevent the problem in the first place.  See numbers one and three above.

10. Remember that it’s up to you to teach your puppy what kind of behavior is and isn’t acceptable, right from Day 1.

Avoiding destructive chewing now is only the first step in preventing dog behavior problems throughout your pup’s life.

Does Your Dog Have Canine Gum Disease?

Are you a dog owner? If so, you probably want the best for your dog which means giving him preventive health care to prolong life and improve health. Unfortunately, one area of health care that many pet owners neglect is care of their dog’s teeth and gums. Canine gum disease is more prevalent than many pet owners believe. The startling statistics are that 85% of dogs suffer from some degree of canine gum disease. This is sobering indeed when you consider the consequences of untreated gum disease. Sadly enough, canine gum disease can not only lead to tooth loss, but can also give rise to an inflammatory process that can have unfavorable consequences for the entire body. In extreme cases, untreated gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation and death.

What are the symptoms of canine gum disease? Symptoms of gum disease in a dog can range from difficulty chewing or eating to persistent bad breath. Other signs include loose teeth, visible plaque at the roots of the teeth, bleeding gums, and pawing at the mouth. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to the point where your dog is unable to chew bones or even dry food. This can be quite distressing to a dog who loves to chew as a form of entertainment.

Fortunately, canine gum disease can be prevented with routine tooth brushing and regular dental care. It helps to avoid feeding your dog soft, canned food, instead opting for dry dog food which has more of a stimulatory effect on the gum tissue. Of course, dogs shouldn’t be given table food, especially foods that are high in sugar content. Giving your dog bones designed specifically for cleaning teeth can also help to reduce the incidence of canine gum disease.

How often should you brush your dog’s teeth to avoid canine gum disease? The simple answer is as often as possible. Although it’s not always practical, a daily brushing is ideal to remove plaque that may have accumulated throughout the day. To learn the proper procedure for brushing your dog’s teeth, you can refer to this article. Your dog should undergo a professional cleaning by your veterinarian about every six months.

What should you do if you believe your dog has the signs of canine gum disease? Your dog should be assessed by your dog’s veterinarian who can schedule a deep cleaning for your dog along with scaling to remove inflamed, diseased tissue located along the gum line. With proper treatment, canine gum disease can be successfully controlled and your dog can enjoy his favorite bones and rawhides without pain and discomfort.

Next Page »