Does your dog chew things he’s not supposed to? (Photo: French Bulldog lying down with colourful lights)
Do you love the holidays? Do you love decorations? Are there a few decorations that you feel you can’t bring out because your dog will chew them up? Has your dog already chewed up your favourite decorations? Let’s put a stop to this, shall we?
Here are a few tips to help you teach your dog what he’s allowed to chew and what he is not.
What you allow, you agree with. Read that twice. (Photo: French Bulldog chewing red ribbon)
What you allow, you agree with: If you allowed your puppy to take Christmas ornaments off of the tree because it was “cute” you accidentally taught him that he was allowed to take ornaments off the tree. Oops. Remedy this by teaching your dog the “leave it” command, so that you can let him know not to touch things you don’t want him to touch.
Dogs are always learning. What are you teaching in this moment? (Photo: Chihuahua mix sitting on a chair with a red cushion)
2. Consistent Boundaries and Rules: If you accidentally allowed your dog to chew your sheets, couch cushions, shoes, and bath towels, he will not know to leave your Christmas decorations alone. Dogs need consistency from us in order to succeed. If your dog has no idea that he shouldn’t chew your bed sheets, he should not be allowed on your bed. Obstructions can sometimes be repaired by your veterinarian, and sometimes they can’t. Don’t risk your dog’s life. Teach them what they can chew (dog toys and bones) and what they can’t (your couch, bed, shoes, table legs, cat’s toys, baseboards, purse, kid’s toys, etc) Supervise your dog at all times so you can teach him what he can and cannot chew.
Crate Time: Dogs are den animals. If you take the time to teach them to love their crate, they will. The crate provides a safe place for your dog when you need to shower, do groceries, or go to work. When your dog is in his crate, he can’t eat your couch, the remote control, or your holiday decorations.
Braxton used to shriek in his crate and was on medication that wasn’t working. His first trainer didn’t help. So grateful that his owner refused to give up and found me. (Photo: 14-week-old Braxton the Frenchie X enjoys his first nap in his crate with the door closed)
Be sure you are consistent outside your home as well. I recently helped a family with a Labrador Retriever who chewed up an outdoor decoration made of plastic and lights. They were unable to get the decoration back from him. He ran around and around the yard playing keep away and then ate the decoration. If your dog doesn’t have rock-solid “drop it,” “leave it,” and recall commands, do not let them off the leash. Longlines are amazing. Think of them as training wheels for dogs. You and your dog need to practice together until the training wheels come off. You get out what you put in. You must do the homework to see the results.
Use a leash or a longline as you teach your dog what he is allowed to chew and what he is not (Photo: Running dog catches a tennis ball. He has a leash trailing behind him on the ground)
Have a safe holiday season, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: Karsten Winegeart @karsten116 (French Bulldog lying down with colourful lights,) Jakob Owens
@jakobowens1 (French Bulldog chewing red ribbon,) Camila Camacho
@camilasbeing (Chihuahua mix sitting on a chair with a red cushion,) Alyssa Foulkes (Braxton the Frenchie X enjoys his first nap in his crate with the door closed,) Upsplash Image (Running dog catches a tennis ball. He has a leash trailing behind him on the ground.)