Some dogs act like they were born to chew and get a great deal of enjoyment out of chewing on things; other dogs seem indifferent about chewing and rarely do it unless they get bored.

Destructive chewing in dogs might be a phrase that sounds redundant to you. You’d be right, of course, because by its nature, all chewing is destructive.  Your dog’s jaws are strong and full of sharp teeth, and just about anything she chews will quickly start showing evidence of damage.  So, when I mention “destructive chewing in dogs,” what I’m really referring to is inappropriate chewing.  You know the type I mean – destructive chewing in dogs that is inappropriately directed toward your personal possessions and household items instead of your dog’s toys and chews.

Most Dogs Chew for One of Three Reasons:

1.   Almost all dogs are born with an urge to chew.  Chewing keeps them entertained, helps them pass the time and prevents boredom from setting in.  Basically, they enjoy chewing, so they do it.  And some things taste good when they’re chewed.

2.   Chewing provides an emotional outlet for bored, lonely or anxious dogs.  The repetitive act of chewing can soothe the nerves of some distressed dogs.  Think of chewing as the canine equivalent of human comfort food.

3.   Chewing lets dogs work off excess energy.  Basically, it gives them something to do.

How to Prevent or Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs

Dogs are intelligent, and by putting in a little time and effort you can teach your dog not to chew your personal possessions.  Here are some tips to prevent or stop destructive chewing in dogs:

1.   Take control by dog-proofing your home.  Don’t tempt your dog, even if she’s a model of good behavior.

Remember, dogs don’t have hands, so they investigate everything using their mouths.  Dog-proofing your home involves making your personal possessions inaccessible to your dog.  You’ll need to take into account your dog’s size and physical abilities while you’re putting things out of her reach.  If your dog is large or capable of jumping up onto things, you’ll need to move more of your possessions than you would if you have a short dog that’s not very agile.

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Typically, dogs are tempted to chew on objects like shoes, clothing, eyeglasses, books, garbage, cell phones, remote controls and the like.  You should also put all food out of reach.  For example, don’t leave any snacks lying out on tables or kitchen countertops.  Put all food into containers or back into the pantry.  You should also rinse any dirty dishes to remove scraps of food before placing them in or near the sink.  You’d be surprised by what your dog can reach when some food is up for grabs!

2.   Prevent your dog from experiencing the enjoyment of chewing on inappropriate items.  The more times your dog manages to chew on a table leg, shoe or some other “illegal” object, the more times she’ll want to do it again.  Preventing her from chewing your possessions makes it much easier for your dog to learn what you expect from her.  Until you’re certain your dog understands what is permitted and what is not, you should keep her in a dog crate or another dog-proofed location in your home when you’re not available to supervise her behavior.

3.   Make it easy for your dog to learn.  Setting clear boundaries between what’s acceptable for her to chew (her toys) and what is unacceptable (your possessions and household items) makes it easier for your dog to learn.  For example, if you let your dog chew on some of your old shoes or socks, you’ll be setting her up for failure.  How can she tell the difference between old socks and new?

4.   Give your dog appealing alternatives to chew.  You can’t blame your dog for chewing on your stuff if you haven’t given her alternatives that appeal to her but are also more acceptable to you.  Keep in mind that although most dogs need to chew, a puppy or dog that is under three years of age will probably want to chew even more than an older, more mature dog.  Go shopping and buy a fair number of chews and toys for your dog, then let her play with them two or three at a time.  If you rotate your dog’s toys and chews once or twice a week, they’ll keep her entertained.

5.   Supervise your dog.  Although you might be able to confine her in the yard or in her crate, that’s not much fun for either of you.  You got a dog to be able to interact with her, right?  Otherwise, you could have gotten some fish.  And, your dog will never learn what you want her to do (and not do) if you keep her confined in a dog-proof area all day long.  In order to learn she has to be able to explore the boundaries you’ve set.  That’s the only way she can learn the difference between what’s appropriate to chew and what’s not.

6.   Catch her in the act.  Whenever you catch your dog chewing on an inappropriate object, stop her by clapping your hands or making some other startling noise.  As soon as she stops chewing, give your dog a chew toy and praise her as she takes it.  This strategy will teach her that she’ll be praised when she chews her toys but she’ll get in trouble if she chews on anything else.

Be Realistic and Have a Positive Attitude

When you want to stop or prevent destructive chewing in dogs, making sure your expectations are realistic is one of the most important things you can do.  No one’s perfect, so there will probably be at least one occasion where your dog chews on something she shouldn’t. This is particularly likely to happen while she’s still learning her boundaries.

Destructive chewing in dogs takes time to eliminate, so it will be a while before your dog can be trusted to leave your stuff alone.  And, even after she learns the “chewing rules,” she might chew on something inappropriate if you leave her alone too long or she feels abandoned or neglected.

Spending time with your dog will help her learn faster.  Remember to keep your things safely out of her reach until she understands the rules.
I know how it can be tough and time consuming to eradicate your dog’s bad behaviors like chewing or any other behavioral issues you are unfortunately facing. With patience and consistency you will be able to put an end to all your dog’s “problems” but you need to do it the right way.If you need help to better understand your dog’s attitude, and therefore to be able to better train and correct your pretty stubborn mutt, then you should go to AboutDogsandpets.com.AboutDogsandPets.com is the all-in-one solution for all your dog training and dog health concerns. You will find the best dog training tips and techniques that are proven to be effective together with a lot of advices related to your dog’s health.Implement what you will learn and you will see noticeable improvements in your dog’s attitude, not to mention that you will create a special bond with your dog and live a great relationship with him or her. I would be very surprised if you do not find the answer you are looking for at AboutDogsandPets.com.  Wish you the best with your furry friend.
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Separation anxiety can be one of the most distressing things a dog can experience.  Unfortunately, this agonizing condition occurs in about ten percent of all dogs – making it one of the most common of all dog behavior disorders. In fact, it’s so common that you might almost think dogs and separation anxiety go hand in hand.

You’re lucky if you’ve never had a dog with separation anxiety.  But if you’ve not been through the experience, you might not have a good understanding of what it is, so here is a brief explanation.

Separation anxiety is a behavior disorder that has been defined as intense anxiety, panic or even terror which is triggered when a dog is separated or isolated from its owner(s).  It can vary in severity from dog to dog, with some cases being fairly mild and others being quite severe.

Particular Dogs and Separation Anxiety

Certain breeds of dogs and separation anxiety seem to go together.  For example, Weimaraners, Airedales, Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds seem to be genetically predisposed to separation anxiety.

In addition to this apparent relationship between certain breeds of dogs and separation anxiety, a significant percentage of dogs adopted from animal shelters are likely to develop separation anxiety.  Most dogs coming from shelters have experienced the psychological trauma of being abandoned by their previous owners, and they panic at the possibility of their new owners abandoning them as well.  They simply don’t realize that when their new owners leave them home alone, the “abandonment” is only temporary.

And, puppies that are separated from their mothers and littermates before reaching eight weeks of age have also been identified as having an increased chance of developing this behavior disorder.  Once again, psychological trauma is responsible.  Puppies purchased from pet shops are often removed from their litters too early and then kept in small cages, and this makes them prime candidates.

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Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

As mentioned above, the severity of this behavior disorder can vary significantly from one dog to the next, but there is a distinct constellation of symptoms that dogs experience.  Watch for some or all of the following behaviors:

 When your dog realizes you’re about to leave the house (the signals of leaving can include things like putting on your shoes or jacket, picking up your keys, grabbing your purse and so on), it becomes anxious and follows you from one room to the next, not letting you out of its sight. This might be accompanied by pacing back and forth in front of you, whining, crying or trembling with fear.

Once you walk out the door, your dog begins whining, crying, barking and/or howling incessantly, or scratching, chewing or digging at window frames, doors or carpeting (your dog’s attempt to escape from the house and find you). Scratching or chewing on other inappropriate items such as furniture or cabinets is also common, as is urinating and/or defecating in the home, even though the dog is fully housetrained. More severe cases of separation anxiety can even cause dogs to mutilate themselves by pulling out their fur or obsessively licking or chewing their skin until it’s raw and bleeding.

 When you come back home, you receive a prolonged, over-the-top greeting, not the normal 30-second greeting you’d receive from a dog that’s well-adjusted. It’s as if you’ve been away for days instead of hours. Look for incessant licking and other exuberant behaviors, like running excited, happy circles around you for several minutes. Your dog will probably also “stick to you” like Velcro for a lengthy period.

Minimizing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

If your dog has separation anxiety, try this short list of do’s and don’ts which are designed to help minimize your dog’s fears and anxiety.

Things You Can Do:

Before you leave your home, wear your dog out by giving it as much exercise as possible. A 15 to 20 minute vigorous walk is the minimum, but an equally long strenuous run is even better. Basically, the more exercise the better. Generally speaking, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, and a tired dog won’t be nearly as fearful when you leave the house. And, if your dog is really tired, it might just sleep during your absence.

Keep your dog entertained while you’re away. If you give your dog toys and other items that are acceptable to chew on, you may succeed at reducing the boredom, loneliness and anxiety your dog feels when it’s left alone. Toys can distract your dog and reduce barking, whining and crying.

Turn on a TV or radio. Classical music is always soothing, but talk shows also work well. Hearing music or voices can calm your nervous dog by making it think it’s not alone in the house, and a TV or radio can also provide some entertainment to deter or delay the onset of boredom. Keep the volume low.

Desensitize your dog to the cues that normally indicate you’re leaving. Jingle your keys, pick up your purse, put on your coat – but then sit down again instead of leaving. Practice until your dog stops reacting to these cues. Then step outside the door but return immediately. Once again, practice until your dog doesn’t react. Finally – and gradually – increase the time you’re out of the house.

Give your dog a room with a view. Watching the world go by can reduce a dog’s feeling of isolation.

Things to Avoid:

Don’t coddle your dog if it starts whining or crying. Trying to comfort your dog is a big mistake because it sends the message that your dog’s concern is justified.

Extended goodbyes and fussing over your dog as you’re leaving are also big mistakes. You want to downplay your departure, not make it seem like it’s more than it really is – a temporary absence.

Remember, you can work with your dog to overcome separation anxiety.  Dogs and separation anxiety don’t always go hand in hand.
I know how it can be tough and time consuming to train a dog. With patience and consistency you will be able to put an end to all your dog’s “problems” but you need to do it the right way.If you need help to better understand your dog’s attitude, and therefore to be able to better train and correct your pretty stubborn mutt, then you should go to AboutDogsandpets.com.AboutDogsandPets.com is the all-in-one solution for all your dog training and dog health concerns. You will find the best dog training tips and techniques that are proven to be effective together with a lot of advices related to your dog’s health.Implement what you will learn and you will see noticeable improvements in your dog’s attitude, not to mention that you will create a special bond with your dog and live a great relationship with him or her. I would be very surprised if you do not find the answer you are looking for at AboutDogsandPets.com.  Wish you the best with your furry friend.
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For The Love Of Dogs, Top 10 Things You Must Do If You Really Love Dogs

. And Dear Friend, let’s face it your dog is the only animal that does not carry a grudge. And you’ve seen some owners abandon their dog, beat their dog and even kick their dog. Yet as soon as that owner calls that dog, guess who comes running with tail wagging, tongue out and head hanging low all while panting. Yep you guessed it, our forever Always Faithful Dog. And so we must do at least these 10 things if we really love our dog. Let’s Begin.

1. If you really love your dog, then you must get some great food for your companion. None of that colorful stuff and cheap stuff they sell , no my friend you need to get the Greenest dog food you can find full of fiber, protein, vitamins and other nutrients.

2. To show love to Human’s best friend, you must take away and keep away their Number One enemy, Fleas. Do whatever you can in your power to keep fleas from nesting in their coat, because those larvae will do all kind of damages to their health and wellbeing.

3. Get a Pet Tracker or have a microchips put under their skin. For more dogs go missing each year than any other animal. And all that could be prevented, since dogs are curious explorers by nature, if you just invest in a tracking device so our dogs could be returned home to our loving arms.

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4. If you really love your dog, then you must bathe your dog ritually. And my friend that alone will keep so many diseases away from your loyal best friend. Please just bathe them at least once a week and don’t let their skin go dry.

5. Get dog training for your loving dog, and that is all because you don’t fully understand your friend and he / she doesn’t fully understand what you want. And Please make sure that you don’t just drop off your dog but go to the training as well so you both can understand each other.

6. For The Love Of Dogs, Top 10 Things You Must Do If You Really Love Dogs then let your dog at least have one litter. Now I know the right thing to do is to control pet population, but you enjoy sex and you live to see your genes passed down. Then why deny your best friend that same opportunity at least once?.

7. You heard: ” Let a dog be a dog “. Or ” let a dog roam and he’ll find his way home “. So please let your dog be a dog if you truly love that dog. For even you are always shouting ” I’ve Got To Be Me “, so then let your dog dig a little and let that dog hide a bone once in a while.

8. Give the best to your best friend, get some pet insurance for your Loving dog. For just like you  the dog’s body will betray it and it will get sick sooner or later, so please prepare for it and it is inexpensive. Also you can keep up with regular check up.

9. You must have room or a play area for your dog, and let your friend have a companion or a playmate. Because you see dogs are pack animals and sociable creatures just like You and I. So build a play area in your Apartment or have your backyard Fenced In, just so your dog can play.

10. For The Love Of Dogs, Top 10 Things You Must Do If You Really Love Dogs and the most important of all is: Play and Spend Time with your loving dog. Just like any Human relationship, to get close in a relationship and stay close then time must be spent and shared. For More Free Animals Articles and Free Videos like this, Visit my site: http://www.jamesfreeanimals.com/   And Tell me Some of your ideas on how you take care of your Faithful Loving Dog. Also let me help you with any questions you might have. So in all you do, Play. Remember: Grow Yourself Then You Can Grow Others. Dr. James Dazouloute

Dr. James Dazouloute Has Been Involved In Helping Families For Over 10 Years With All Their Life Events Situation. Such As: Self Empowerment, Mind Elevation, How To Protect Your Home, Ways Not to Get Kidnapped, Way To Avoid Scams, Avoiding Traffic Tickets, How To Get Rich By Having People Join You In Every Endeavor, How To Truly Stay Healthy, How To Start A Business, How To Save Your Love Life Through Counseling,Etc… http://www.freeiloveyou.com/Dr. James Dazouloute Holds A PHD And A Doctorate Degrees In 2 Fields, And Is A National Leader, Educator, Counselor And Activist. Working To Fight Injustice, Ignorance And Poverty In All Forms. He Is A Serial Entrepreneur Who Has been Involved In Several Start-ups. He Loves Business, Self Development And Have Had A Life-long Fascination With Spirituality And Technology. http://www.dazoventures.com/　 
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Responsible dog owners never let their dogs off the leash when they’re out of the house unless they’re safely confined within a fenced-in yard.  Keeping your dog on a leash is important for many reasons.

Why dog leash training is Important

Dog leash training, and keeping your dog on a leash every time he’s outside, can prevent potential injuries.  If your dog is pulling on his leash or walking or running freely, he could knock a young child or elderly person down.  And, even the friendliest dog could bite someone or get into a fight with another dog if provoked.  You could be sued if your dog’s behavior results in an injury.  Dog leash training allows you to keep your dog under control.

Keeping your dog on a leash also allows you to prevent him from eating something unhealthy, like a rotting carcass.  Owners who allow their dogs to roam freely are also risking the wrath of their neighbors.  Your neighbors won’t be happy if your dog is allowed to roam freely and roots through their trash or digs or eliminates in their yards.

A dog that is allowed to roam freely could also be picked up and taken to the local dog pound.  You’ll be required to pay a pick-up fee and you might be fined for not keeping him on a leash, because it’s required by law almost everywhere.  There is also the possibility that your dog might run away and never be found.

So, keeping your dog on a leash is extremely important.  All responsible dog owners do it, not just to obey the law, but to keep their pets safe, prevent possible injuries and keep their relationships with their neighbors pleasant.  And dog leash training is important even if you do already keep your dog on a leash – after all, you probably don’t want to be dragged down the street whenever you go on a walk.

Why Your Dog Pulls on the Leash

Many dogs pull on their leashes – that’s how the “who’s walking who” joke got started.  Many dogs pull because they have an abundance of energy and almost endless curiosity. Primarily, however, many dogs pull simply because we let them.  The only way to stop it is to stop letting your dog get away with it and stop rewarding him for doing it.  Instead of letting your dog “win” by forging ahead and dragging you wherever he wants to go, take charge and stop walking the instant he starts pulling.

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Things to Do Before You Even Snap on the Leash

Many dogs get excited as soon as they see their leash, because it usually means they’re about to go on a walk.  You can help set the tone for a calm, pleasant walk by teaching your dog to remain calm while you’re attaching the leash to his collar.  Require your dog to sit and stay quietly in place while you’re putting on the leash.  If your dog starts acting up, simply delay the walk until he’s been sitting calmly for a minute or two.  Most dogs learn to sit quietly very quickly, but if you give in and start the walk even though your dog is bouncing around, you’ll be sending the wrong message – that misbehaving doesn’t have any negative consequences (the delay of the walk).

Tips to Prevent Pulling

To teach your dog better leash manners, try practicing this helpful exercise inside your house – somewhere quiet,
where there are no distractions:

Put the leash on your dog and stand still while holding the leash close to your body. Your dog might start bouncing around in excitement, but if you stand still he’ll eventually calm down. Once he does, give him a treat, praise him and say “let’s go,” taking a single step forward as you do. After that step, stand still once again. If your dog pulls or resumes his bouncing, wait for him to calm down.

Repeat the entire sequence several times, making your dog stay calm a few seconds longer each time before you give him a treat and take another step forward.

You can build up to “two step walks” once your dog has learned to remain calm and not pull during the above “one step walks.” Gradually build up to more and more steps until you’re able to take a normal walk without your dog pulling on the leash.

Despite this dog leash training exercise, your dog might pull on the leash if he becomes excited or distracted while you’re out on a walk. If he does, try these simple techniques to correct him:

During your dog leash training, hold the leash close to your side, giving your dog only a few inches of slack so you can correct him quickly if he starts pulling.

When your dog pulls in any direction, immediately walk in the opposite direction. If he forges ahead, smoothly turn around and start walking back toward where you came from. If he goes off to the right, you turn left, and so on.

Alternatively, you can stop and stand stock still if your dog starts pulling. Then, take a few steps backward while calling your dog. When he comes toward you, praise him and give him a treat, then resume your walk. If it happens again, repeat the process.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

During your dog leash training, it’s important to avoid the following common mistakes:

Letting the walk continue even though your dog is pulling or forging ahead. All this does is reward your dog for his misbehavior. Instead, stop walking immediately and wait for him to calm down before resuming the walk.

Pulling back when your dog pulls on the leash. Most dogs react by pulling even harder.

Using a retractable leash. It will just teach your dog that pulling will allow him to get farther away from you.

The most important things in dog leash training are patience, persistence and a firm commitment to not let your dog get anywhere when he’s pulling on the leash.  Forging ahead or running off to the side are unacceptable behaviors.  Either stop walking immediately and wait until he calms down, or change direction so your dog doesn’t get to go where he wants.  You’re the leader during your walks, not your dog.
I know how it can be tough and time consuming to train a dog and eradicate the bad behaviors. With patience and consistency you will be able to put an end to all your dog’s “problems” but you need to do it the right way.If you need help to better understand your dog’s attitude, and therefore to be able to better train and correct your pretty stubborn mutt, then you should go to AboutDogsandpets.com.AboutDogsandPets.com is the all-in-one solution for all your dog training and dog health concerns. You will find the best dog training tips and techniques that are proven to be effective together with a lot of advices related to your dog’s health.Implement what you will learn and you will see noticeable improvements in your dog’s attitude, not to mention that you will create a special bond with your dog and live a great relationship with him or her. I would be very surprised if you do not find the answer you are looking for at AboutDogsandPets.com.  Wish you the best with your furry friend.
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Knowing the physiological benefits of dog beds is important for any dog owner. Your dog may suffer from orthopedic disorder with growing age. Ensuring their comfort and wellness of health will give them a prolonged life. If you have an older dog, then the need of orthopedic bed increases considerably. They provide high comfort level to your trusted pet.

There are various health problems which dogs suffer from, like arthritis, common joint problems and bone fractures. The reasons may vary from inactivity to lack of proper nutrition and pollution. If your dog is moving comparatively slow or showing unwillingness to move, your dog is suffering from physical discomfort. These are signs of orthopedic disorders. Once you trace the problem, then the floor is definitely not the place for your dog to sleep on. A dog bed is a must buy for your trusted friend. An uneven surfaced bed will only aggravate your dog’s problem. A proper dog bed is the prime solution. Your dog can sleep stretched on these dog beds and the weight is evenly absorbed to ease the pain in his joints. Such beds remove the pressure points, thus giving utmost support.  They look quite similar to regular home furniture and mingle with it without spoiling your home décor. Make sure that the material used in making the orthopedic bed, you are going to buy, is stain resistant and washable. A good orthopedic dog bed is neither too lightweight not too heavy. It traps and repel odor and it also guards your pet against allergen, insects, dust mites, parasite and bacteria.

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There are many options available in orthopedic dog beds too. You can choose according to the needs of your dogs and your affordability. A large orthopedic dog bed will make your dog’s life easier. If you want your dog to be in optimum health, a dog bed is a must buy. Dog bed is not only for aged dogs or dogs with disorders. A healthy dog also gains long term benefits from orthopedic dog beds.  A good quality dog bed will prevent your dog from problems which may develop in near future.

With so many benefits a dog bed has become an indispensable part of an ideal dog home. When your dog will have a bed of his own, your furniture will be saved from soiling. Train him to use his own dog bed which will also give him a sense of possession. Dog beds are available in various dog bed stores online and otherwise. You can order the one suiting your dog’s requirements and size.

About the Author:

Tracey Cannon is the Marketing Manager at Waggers based in Cumbria, England states that many of Waggers dog products are produced exclusively for Waggers ensuring the ultimate in comfort and care for your dog. The company offers an exciting range of dog products, including dog ramp, dog beds, dog collars and leads and leather dog collar etc. in addition with a selection of dog training products.

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