Dog Training Basics

Archive for December 28th, 2008

An early relationship strain will be caused by your dog's propensity to chew

Dogs carry out destructive chewing for three main reasons, they are simply bored, they find it pleasurable to do so, or they find it helps get them through emotional times. The nearest human equivalent for which might be to consume a bar of chocolate!

Anything that gets in the way of this chewing normally ends up in poor state. If you think about it there are lots of sharp, pointed teeth in your dog's mouth and they generally get the better of anything put in their way.

Chewing is most annoying when it is your own possessions that are the subject, always stop this behavior straight away.

How To Avoid Your Possessions Being Destroyed

The first tip for dog behavior training is to not place valuable objects in the way of temptation. Just as you would ensure your house is baby proof you need to think about putting things away that you would rather your dog not find. Why let providence intervene.

In addition, when hiding things be aware of just how agile your dog is. How high can she reach when standing on her back legs for example?

Consider that common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

Make sure whatever you do that you put food away in airtight containers or high cupboards. Loose food needs to be put away safely from the nose and paws of your pet, high cupboards and strong containers are called for here.

The phrase prevention is better than cure applies to dog behaviour training too, if your dog is not given the opportunity to discover the delights of chewing a forbidden item then it is a lot easier for her to learn your house rules.

Do not allow you dog to see any weakness on your part by letting old habits resurface. Once she has the taste do not be surprised to find shoes you care about being treated to the same destructive chewing.

A good idea is to buy some toys that you do want your dog to play with. Take a look around your local pet store for tough items such as rubber bones and balls etc. Buy a few and rotate their use as a way to keep your dog behaviour training interesting.

Some final advice on dog behaviour, when you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate be sure to interrupt her immediately and provide a suitable alternative and give lavish praise when this is accepted as a way of reinforcing good behaviour.

They’re attractive, popular and periodically controversial. They come mass produced and some with designer labels. They also make unbelievably expensive chew toys for some puppies and dogs. They’re leather dog collars, once the standard dog gear and now a luxury piece. Is a leather dog collars right for your dog?

Benefits

A few of the benefits of getting leather dog collars are that they are long lasting provided you are going to take care of them properly. Even though they are more expensive initially than rayon or nylon collars, they can sometimes last longer than the life of your dog. Some owners of dogs who get good and muddy like to use leather dog collars and leashes than of other materials because it is so durable.

One of the other advatages is that leather always matches your dog’s fur, whether it is brown leather or black leather. Leather has a timeless look and a great smell, if you take care of the leather properly. There are now a wide variety of leather dog collars in different patterns, colors, with rhinestones or other additions. There are even famous designers of people fashions who are getting into pet fashions.

Cons

The main drawback of leather dog collars is that it’s made out of very tasty animal hide. At least, your dog thinks it’s tasty. You can’t explain to your dog that it’s not okay to chew on the $100 rolled leather dog collar but it is acceptable to chew on rawhide treats. They are made of nearly the same stuff. Dogs will chew on leather, but with patience and persistence, they can be trained not to.

One of the other disadvantages is having to clean and condition the leather dog collar and leash. You dont have these worries with nylon or rayon collars and leashes. You can throw them in the bath along with the dog. But prolonged exposure to soaking water will destroy leather. You need to get special soaps and conditioners for them. You might need to have the leather collars worn only on special occasions.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, than you are already trying to cut out all animal-based products from your life. The thought of killing cows for dog collars might not sit well on your conscious. But there are good looking fake leather dog collars that are almost as tough as leather on the market. As an added bonus, they don’t have the strong smell that attracts dogs looking for a quick snack.