|
 Most
puppies have a strong, natural desire to investigate, but this
curiosity can lead to problems when your puppy digs up your roses or
destroys your new shoes. Many owners rely solely on punishment to
correct problem behaviour, but you'll find that reinforcing good
behaviour works better and keeps your dog happier.
Chew
Toys
-
Begin with a variety of toys
and determine which types your pup prefers.
-
Rotate different toys to keep them novel and interesting. Reward
your dog when it chews its toys.
-
Never give items to the puppy to chew that are similar to
household items you don't want destroyed. (e.g., your puppy may
not distinguish between old shoes and new shoes.)
-
Use
commercial anti-chew sprays, citronella oil, or a small amount
of cayenne pepper mixed with water as deterrents.
Digging commonly occurs when pets are
left alone with insufficient stimulation.
Chewing and Anxiety
Destructive behaviour is often a direct response to anxiety. Lesson
the problem by teaching the dog that it cannot receive attention on
demand. Train it to rest in its own
bed
or crate, rather than
constantly lying near you. Exercise your dog before you leave home,
and try to sneak out when it is occupied. Practice short departures,
then gradually increase the length of time your dog is alone.
Digging
Dogs dig
for a number of reasons: to cool off, chase rodents, bury and
retrieve bones, escape confinement, or just for the fun of it.
Digging
commonly occurs when pets are left alone with insufficient
stimulation. Provide your dog with stimulating
chew toys, increased play and
exercise, and perhaps even a second pet. Of course, give some
thought to the addition of a second pet, since you could end up with
two diggers instead of one.
Try
these methods to discourage digging: remote punishment (turning on a
sprinkler, pulling on an extended leash, tossing a tin can
containing a few pebbles near the pet), changing or covering the
surface (by placing rocks over the area or covering with concrete).
For some dogs the most practical solution is to provide a digging
area and to reinforce appropriate digging.
Source;
www.healthypet.com
Wayne Hunthausen (DVM) and Gary Landsberg (DVM) |
