| You Need Discipline To Stop Your Dog from Digging | | | | remote controls, and other small "chewable objects" |
| and ChewingI like to start every article I write about | | | | If your dog is a puppy, you should also |
| dog obedience training with the following fact: | | | | 1. Remove any low hanging objects |
| Reprimanding your dog does not work!For many | | | | 2. Wrap the feet of wooden furniture |
| people, correcting digging, chewing, and other behavior | | | | Now that you have removed temptation, you need to |
| issues in dogs seems like a mystery. I'm very glad | | | | introduce chew appropriate toys for your dog to keep |
| you're taking the time to read this entire article | | | | them stimulated. Toys such as hard rubber balls, |
| because as you'll see, training your dog to stop digging | | | | teething rings, and frozen treats will provide some relief |
| and chewing is not that complicated; it just takes | | | | from anxiety and for puppies the pain of teething. |
| discipline on your part. | | | | A couple of years ago, Kong developed a great group |
| The steps to stop your dog from chewing are very | | | | of chew toys for your dog. These are hard rubber |
| different than the steps you'll take for digging. Let's | | | | toys that allow you to hide any kind of treat you would |
| start with chewing since it is more prevalent, | | | | like in the center. Place your dogs favorite type of |
| particularly in puppies. | | | | treat in the toy and it will keep your dog busy for |
| Like humans, dogs instinctually put things in their | | | | hours. It is recommended that you have several |
| mouths, and, like teaching your child to keep things out | | | | different types of these toys and rotate them out daily |
| of their mouths, destructive chewing can be overcome | | | | in order to keep them interesting for your dog. |
| with training. | | | | Chewing While You Are Away |
| It is important for you to realize that destructive | | | | If your dog only chews while you are away, it is likely |
| chewing is a behavioral problem, and, except for in the | | | | due to separation anxiety. Treating social anxiety is |
| case of gum disease, there is nothing physically | | | | beyond the scope of this article, but I'll suggest a few |
| "wrong" with your dog or puppy. | | | | tips. It is important to train your dog to expect you to |
| There are many reasons why dogs may chew: | | | | return after each time you leave. Exercising your dog |
| - Boredom | | | | immediately before leaving and after returning may |
| - Excess Energy | | | | help with separation anxiety and reduce chewing. |
| - Fear | | | | I have also found that families with more than one dog |
| - Separation Anxiety | | | | rarely have dogs with separation anxiety. If your dog |
| - Loneliness | | | | won't stop chewing while you're away, get him a |
| For Puppies Add | | | | friend! |
| - Curiosity | | | | FearMany dogs are afraid of loud noises and chew as |
| - Teething | | | | a result. If you live in a neighborhood with lots of |
| A great place to start when dealing with destructive | | | | children or construction, the noise very well could |
| behaviors such as chewing and digging is exercise. | | | | cause your dogs destructive chewing behavior. |
| Ample amounts of exercise and social interactivity will | | | | Fortunately, it is easy for you to help your dog |
| alleviate a dogs destructive behavior over 80% of the | | | | overcome it's fear of loud noises. Here's how you can |
| time. | | | | help your dog overcome their fear. |
| If you do not have enough time during week days, I | | | | 1. While sitting with your dog in a room nearest to a |
| highly recommend hiring a dog walker, or better yet, | | | | garage or patio, have someone start and stop a loud |
| using a puppy playgroup service. Not only does | | | | tool such as a dremel, or have them bang two pieces |
| playgroup give your dog plenty of opportunity to | | | | of wood together. |
| exercise, but it also allows them to socialize. This can | | | | 2. Calmly pet your dog, but don't give the situation any |
| dramatically improve behavioral problems due to | | | | extra attention. Your dog can tell if you're nervous! |
| anxiety and loneliness. | | | | 3. Have the person repeat this several times. |
| Of course, the ideal situation would be for you to | | | | 4. You may have to repeat this process for a couple |
| exercise with your dog. Remember, your dog only | | | | of days, but eventually your dog will get used to the |
| really wants two things; to be able to communicate | | | | noise. |
| with you, and to have a purpose. Running, jogging, | | | | 5. Once your dog accepts the noise from far away, |
| playing fetch or tug, racing, and even training for | | | | it's time to bring them closer to the source of the noise |
| events such as dog shows or any other type of | | | | 6. Walk your dog through the garage while the person |
| competition are great ways to build a relationship with | | | | continuously make the noise. |
| your dog. By working together frequently, you will | | | | 7. When your dog makes it into the house, give them a |
| automatically improve your ability to communicate with | | | | treat |
| your dog, and you will have given them a sense of | | | | 8. Repeat this process until your dog appears |
| purpose. | | | | comfortable walking near the loud noise |
| Discipline - Stop Your Dog From Chewing | | | | 9. The final step is to make the noise right next to your |
| Remember I said it was you who needs to be | | | | dog. |
| disciplined if you wish to stop your dog from chewing. | | | | 10. Have them sit down in the garage and make the |
| Preparing Your Home: After ensuring your dog is | | | | noise about three feet away. Again, calmly pet them |
| getting plenty of exercise, ensuring your home is free | | | | as if there is nothing unusual going on |
| from tempting objects is a great way to prevent | | | | 11. If your dog flinches or runs, command them to return |
| destructive chewing behavior. | | | | and sit down. Give them a treat |
| Tips For Preparing Your Home: | | | | 12. Repeat this step until your dog is ok with the noise |
| 1. Close all closet and pantry doors | | | | right next to them |
| 2. Use child gates that your dog can't see through to | | | | As always, spend time with your dog, and reward |
| prevent them from entering restricted areas such as | | | | them for good behavior. Treats and lots of love are |
| kitchens and living rooms | | | | the best way to communicate to your dog that you |
| 3. Pick up tempting objects such as shoes, clothing, | | | | approve of what they are doing. |