Teaching your dog basic obedience like sit, wait and coming back when called gives them the freedom to do the things they like to do, like running off lead and coming with you to meet friends and family, while being safe and under control.
1. Brain Training for Dogs: - https://bit.ly/2Si753Y
Chewing is something that comes naturally to every dog. Every dog feels the instinctual
need to sharpen its teeth and hone his biting skills. Chewing on the right things, like
specially designed chew toys for instance, can even help the dog clean his teeth and
remove plaque.
Even though chewing is natural and healthy, that does not mean that the dog should be
given carte blanche and allowed to chew everything in sight. It is vital for every dog to
learn the difference between the things it is OK to chew on, like toys and ropes, and the
things that are off limits, such as carpets, shoes and other items.
When working with a new puppy, it is advisable to keep the puppy in a small, puppy
proofed room for at least a few weeks. This is important not only t o prevent chewing but
to properly house train the puppy as well.
Older dogs should also be confined to a small area at first. Doing this allows the dog to
slowly acquaint him or herself to the smells and sights of the new household.
When you set up this small, confined area, be sure to provide the puppy or dog with a
few good quality chew toys to keep him entertained while you are not able to supervise
him. Of course the dog should also be provided with a warm place to sleep and plenty of
fresh clean water.
As the dog is slowly moved to larger and larger portions of the home, there may be
more opportunities to chew inappropriate items. As the dog is given freer access to the
home, it is important to keep any items that the dog or puppy should not chew, things
like throw rugs, shoes, etc. up off of the floor. If you forget to move something and
come home to find that the dog has chewed it, resist the urge to punish or yell at the
dog. Instead, distract the dog with one of its favorite toys and remove the inappropriate
item from its mouth.
2. The dog should then be provided with one of its favorite toys. Praise the dog extensively
when it picks up and begins to chew its toy. This will help to teach the dog that it gets
rewarded when it chews certain items, but not when it chews other items.
Teaching the dog what is appropriate to chew is very important, not only for the safety
of your expensive furniture and rugs, but for the safety of the dog as well. Many dogs
have chewed through dangerous items like extension cords and the like. This of course
can injure the dog severely or even spark a fire.
Most dogs learn what to chew and what not to chew fairly quickly, but others are
obviously going to be faster learners than others. Some dogs chew because they are
bored, so providing the dog with lots of toys and solo activities is very important.
It is also a good idea to schedule several play times every day, with one taking place
right before you leave every day. If the dog is thoroughly tired after his or her play
session, chances are he or she will sleep the day away.
Other dogs chew to exhibit separation anxiety. Many dogs become very nervous when
their owners leave, and some dogs become concerned each time that the owner may
never come back. This stress can cause the dog to exhibit all manners of destructive
behavior, including chewing soiling the house. If separation anxiety is the root of the
problem, the reasons for it must be addressed, and the dog assured that you will return.
This is best done by scheduling several trips in and out of the home every day, and
staggering the times of those trips in and out. At first the trips can be only a few
minutes, with the length slowly being extended as the dog’s separation anxiety issues
improve.