Using Chew Bones To Stop Destructive Behaviors

Topic: Chew Bones are they Safe

Filed under Dogs

Tags: Rawhide, Bones

 

Although many dog owners use chew bones and toys as a way to keep their dog entertained and as a way to play with their dog, there are also other training benefits to getting your dog started with chew bones and toys. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, especially with puppies that are teething or are learning about their new environments. Adult dogs benefit from the tooth cleaning action of chewing and is a very good habit to get into, provided they are chewing on the right things.

Training Puppies Not To Bite

Puppies up to about 4 months of age are learning what is known as "bite inhibition". Typically when puppies are raised around littermates and the mother dog, this training is done within the dog group. Since most domestic puppies are removed from their mother and brothers and sisters at about eight weeks of age, this training needs to be completed by the new owner.

First it is important to understand that it is completely normal for puppies to try to bite everything to learn about what is in their environment. This is the same as babies and toddlers that put everything into their mouth. Both are using all of their senses to gain information about their surroundings. Mouthing, the correct name for puppy behavior that may include biting, is part of growing up; however it can also become a very bad and destructive habit.

When playing with littermates and the other adult dogs they are in contact with puppies will learn how to control how hard they bite down or when not to bite at all. This is what is known as "bite inhibition". The mother dog and littermates teach the puppy when he or she is biting too hard by yelping, biting back and having nothing to do with the puppy that is too rough. If puppies don't get the message the mother dog will often assume a position of dominance over them and growl, or even pick them up by the scruff of the neck and give them a shake.

Owners can do the same, giving a sharp yip or a high pitched "no bite" and then ignoring the puppy for a few minutes immediately after the puppy has bitten. Within a few minutes, initiate play with the puppy again, but this time present a chew toy for the puppy to grab on to rather than your fingers or hand. Reward your puppy verbally for playing and biting on the toy, plus spend some time playing with the puppy with the toy. Don't play tug of war games or games where the puppy may accidentally grab your hand instead of the toy because if you have to correct the puppy or dog it will add confusion.

Overly Excited Greetings

This same technique can be used for dogs and older puppies that simply get too excited to see their people come home. Often these dogs leap, lick and grab at hands, arms, clothing and anything you may have in your hands as a way to show their happiness to see you. Instead or simply repeating "down" or "off" with little effect, teach your dog to bring a toy to you and then spend time playing with the dog with the toy. A way to get this started is to have the toy with you when you walk in the door or gate, immediately present it to the dog as a reward from coming to you. Always pick a favorite toy that the dog has not had access too while you were away. A dog with a toy in his or her mouth cannot also be biting at you or the things you are carrying. Of course you will still have to deal with the jumping up issue, but that can also be corrected by teaching your dog to sit before you give attention.

Chew Bones for Dogs Left Alone

Dogs that are left alone may become bored or may even have some issues with separation anxiety. Severe and significant cases of separation anxiety will often require the assistance of a professional trainer and consultation with your vet. Early signs or indications this may be a problem can be sometimes averted by making the time alone more fun for your dog.

Chew bones that are safe and not able to be destroyed such as Nylabones, Kongs and other solid rubber or nylon materials are a great source of entertainment for most dogs and puppies. Don't just have one or two, provide a selection of different sizes, shapes and types of safe dog toys. Some trainers recommend keeping these toys as special treats for the dog, only brought out when you are gone for over a specific amount of time.

Real knuckle or joint bones are also an option, however this only works if the dog is either outside or in some contained and easy to clean area of the house. Most owners don't want a raw bone on their living room couch or on the carpet in the family room. It is also important to remember that if your dog is not used to raw meat in his or her regular diet there are some rather nasty side effects such as loose stool and excessive gas until his or her system adjusts. If you are leaving raw bones or chew bones for your dog be sure they are safe. This means they:

Will not splinter

Have no small pieces that the dog can easily chew off and swallow

Are the right size for the dog

Are clean (washed in the case of toys and fresh in the case of real bones)

Do not use rawhide chew toys or bones of any type if you are leaving the dog alone. Rawhide can pose a very serious choking hazard and can also cause intestinal blockages and impactions if swallowed.

There is a wide selection of chew toys that have hollow centers, perfect for stashing a few treats or some peanut butter to keep the dog interested in playing with the toy. There are also chew toys that have small openings that will randomly drop out dog treats when they are being chewed, making them great toys even for dogs that aren't naturally playful.

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