CHEWING
by Deb Duncan
Chewing is a natural activity for dogs. Puppies
WILL chew. And, older dogs that have never been taught what is acceptable/
not acceptable to chew...will CHEW!! Puppies absolutely will chew on
things due to their natural tendencies and their "teething". When "teething",
chewing actually provides physical relief. Think about a child that
is teething, we provide them with teething rings, etc. Infants will
even "gnaw" on your hand or fingers. For pups, they need teething rings,
TOO!. They are just like the infants in that they will chew/gnaw on
anything available that will offer them "teething relief".
Several approaches can help. Have plenty of chew
toys available. PICK UP all items that are inviting to the dogs UNTIL
they learn what is acceptable & what is NOT acceptable to chew. DO NOT
GET UPSET WHEN YOUR PUP CHEWS ON SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T WANT THEM TO CHEW!
Instead, realize that you should have kept a closer eye on them and/or
removed the inviting NON chew items from their environment.
A supply of Bitter Apple (spray & cream) can help.
The spray can be used on most items without harming them. The cream
can be used on furniture, cabinets, wood, metal items, etc. The Bitter
Apple has to be reapplied regularly as it will gradually lose its effectiveness.
Pups & older dogs that have not been taught previously,
can learn WHAT is acceptable/not acceptable to chew. To correct the
pup/dog for chewing, you have to catch them in the act. Punishing or
scolding "after the fact" makes NO sense to them. If your pup/dog appears
remorseful, it is because they are reading your displeasure & reacting
to that...NOT the fact that they chewed something. Remember that chewing
is "natural" for dogs!
When you catch your pup/dog chewing something inappropriately,
the SHAKE CAN is VERY effective & highly
recommended. If using the the shake can, follow the described directions
& say NO CHEW, GOOD NO CHEW. Immediately, divert their attention to
an acceptable chew item (toy). Play with them for a couple of minutes.
If you are consistent with this routine, they will quickly learn that
"certain" items cause that unpleasant "shake can noise" to occur, AND
these "other" items are great fun & even get me extra attention.
Please know that for the first "several" times you
correct for chewing, the pup/dog will NOT associate the correction with
the chewing behavior!!! It will take numerous repetitions & consistency
& PATIENCE on your part. If you are being "fair" to your baby, you will
recognize & understand that altering the CHEWING mechanism is actually
modifying an innate part of their existence. You cannot expect them
to change an aspect this major in only a few exposures. You have to
"train" them. Give them a chance to LEARN what you want.
There is a step you can add to this process, ONLY
IF NECESSARY. When you catch the pup/dog with the unacceptable chew
item, remove it from their mouth, squeeze their muzzle with your thumb
& forefinger "just enough" to cause a minor whimper. The whimper is
caused from the basic restraint & reducing their air supply for a VERY
short period of time. As soon as they whimper in the slightest, you
will release them.While lightly squeezing the muzzle, say NO CHEW. When
you release their muzzle, say GOOD NO CHEW. Now, here is the real aspect
to this exercise, place the item back in their mouth, close their mouth
over it, & lightly squeeze the muzzle as described above with NO CHEW.
Release at the slightest whimper, GOOD NO CHEW. The concept here is
that they will quickly decide "THAT ITEM is the last thing I ever want
back in my mouth"!!!!
I do NOT recommend this approach UNLESS you are
not making headway with the Bitter Apple applications coupled with the
"shake can". I strongly emphasize that this "muzzle squeeze" process
is NOT intended to cause PAIN to the dog. It should be done with all
due diligence to ONLY cause "minimal discomfort". This is really all
a pup/dog needs.
Some additional HELPFUL HINTS:
- Chew proof your house. Pick up all items that
will be INVITING to a pup/dog's mouth.
- Keep ALL sock & shoes out of harm's way. If they
chew your socks or shoes, it is YOUR fault for leaving them out...UNTIL
your pup/dog has "learned" what is acceptable for them to chew. By
all means, DO NOT give them their "own" shoe or sock. How can they
tell the difference from "their" shoe or sock and "your" shoes & socks!!!!!
- Know that rug/carpet edges, couch skirts, and
pillows are exceedingly enticing to pups & untrained dogs mouths.Block
their access to these areas OR use the Bitter Apple.
- NEVER let a pup or untrained dog out of your
sight. Just like children, if they are somewhere else & quiet...they
are into something...probably chewing something!!!
- For teething pups, keep nylabones or gumabones
in your freezer. Always have a frozen one available. These are very
comforting during teething. You can even freeze a wet rag, if nothing
else is available.
- Plaque Attackers are also helpful. They can be
frozen or unfrozen. The nobbiness seems to message their gums.
Above all, be patient...be consistent....be vigilant....be
fair!!! Help your pup/dog to learn. Do not "set them up" to fail or
displease you. They really want to please you, they want to learn the
rules. Your pup/dog will EVEN change their basic "innate tendencies"
to please you...IF you will take the time to TEACH them and give them
the chance to LEARN!!
