Tuesday Training Byte: Help my dog is chewing up everything!

Puppies will be teething up to around 8 months. However many dogs continue to be chewers throughout their life. Let's address puppies first. It is very helpful to not let puppies have free roam of the house. This way we can "puppy-proof" a particular room or area. Be sure to have electric cords secure behind furniture, all shoes (especially leather ones) and personal items away or out of pup's reach. I always crate train my pups so that whenever I cannot supervise, he is in his crate with appropriate chew toys. Just note that rawhide and rope toys could be unsafe if ingested. I have a variety of toys so he doesn't get bored, and I throw away any that become damaged.

Many adult dogs still have an innate drive to chew, so even though they now have access to other areas and not confined to a room or crate, I still provide the outlet with appropriate bones and toys. If I have a pair of worn out shoes, I do not confuse my dog by letting him have it to chew. Some higher drive breeds can be frustrated and destructive if their other doggy needs are not met. Be sure your dog has ample mental and physical stimulation. Herding, working, and some sporting breeds are needy in this way. Providing food puzzles, lick mats, interactive toys, and frequent rotation of toys can help. I also buy the filled shank bones to leave in my dogs' crates for them to enjoy. Taking your dog out should include ample time for him to be a dog and go sniffing everything. Twenty minutes of a "sniff-a-thon" can be just as stimulating as a longer walk. Regardless of the training, just realize that a dog will be a dog and may leave his teeth marks on your coffee table during a doggy urge. If you have a prized antique family heirloom, you may want to move it to a room where your dog is not permitted. Happy training!