Training a dog to NOT do something . . .

• 05-18-2008 7:44 AM

  In reply to Shohin

  Chuffy Joined on 12-17-2006 UK Posts 5,208 Points 10

  Re: Training a dog to NOT do something . . . Reply Contact As others have said, sticks are not safe chew toys.  Dogs chew for 3 main reasons: 1. Because they are bored 2. Because they are stressed 3. Because they enjoy it You can rule out #1 with more exercise and play.  You may also be able to tackle #2 if you think hard about it - what might be causing them stress and how can you alleviate it?  You could try a couple of drops of rescue remedy in the drinking water for example.  I think this might be especially beneficial for Gracie.  #3 can only be solved by providing them with plenty of things they ARE allowed to chew on and making them as appealing as possible.  Have you tried raw meaty bones, kongs that kind of thing?  (I mean have you tried offering them to the dogs; I don't expect you've tried them yourself!)  What self respecting dog would want to chew on a bit of wood if there was a juicy bone available????  Have you tried using Bitter Apple or would this harm the trees? Block the dogs' access to the trees, every time they do it it is reinforced even more, regardless of whether you scold them or not, so you have to disallow it.  "Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life." (Pratchett, Jingo) "I used to look at [my dog] Smokey and think, 'If you were a little smarter you could tell me what you were thinking,' and he'd look at me like he was saying, 'If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to.'" - Fred Jungclaus

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• 05-19-2008 10:48 AM

  In reply to Chuffy

  mudpuppy Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 5,379 Points 100

  Re: Training a dog to NOT do something . . . Reply Contact I gotta say, if your dogs are shredding sticks and spitting out the splinters, as my dog does, I don't see the harm.  I don't see how a raw bone is any safer than a saliva-drenched splinter of branch that will get broken down in the stomach with little effort.  dogs and all other mammals cannot digest wood. That saliva-drenched splinter of branch is an emergency vet visit waiting to happen.

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• 05-19-2008 7:57 PM

  In reply to mudpuppy

  luvmyswissy Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 1,511 Points 25	Re: Training a dog to NOT do something . . . Reply Contact My River chews on sticks all the time.  He dosen't swollow them he just likes to chew and distroy them,  I have never had a dog with a problem chewing sticks.  If he is eating them then maybe I would be concerned but chewing??  I think things like greenine and raw hides would do more damage than a soft wet piece of bark.
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• 05-20-2008 1:33 PM

  In reply to luvmyswissy

  Winnie's Dad Joined on 02-26-2008 (DC Suburbs) Maryland, USA Posts 28 Points 30	Re: Training a dog to NOT do something . . . Reply Contact Hope it's OK to link out like this, but I think this solution might be great for you and your Bonsai: http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers/archives/motiondet.txt     ~wd (this space available for a witty sig...)
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• 05-21-2008 11:47 AM

  In reply to luvmyswissy

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 9,979 Points 715

  Re: Training a dog to NOT do something . . . Reply Contact luvmyswissy: My River chews on sticks all the time.  He dosen't swollow them he just likes to chew and distroy them,  I have never had a dog with a problem chewing sticks.  If he is eating them then maybe I would be concerned but chewing??  I think things like greenine and raw hides would do more damage than a soft wet piece of bark.   Well, I had a Dobe get a stick wedged so far into her gums that the vet had to sedate her to get it out!  I have clients whose dogs never get into trouble with sticks, but that experience, seeing my dog with her jaw open because she couldn't close it.....well, let's just say that sticks are off limits to my dogs.  I do agree that Greenies and raw hides (except the compressed type, which are fairly harmless) aren't good alternatives either.  I would prefer to see a dog get a sterilized bone stuffed with goodies, a Galileo bone, or a marrow bone.  JMHO Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 19 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 06-02-2008 11:42 AM

  In reply to mudpuppy

  chinook Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 81 Points 0

  Re: Training a dog to NOT do something . . . Reply Contact mudpuppy: I gotta say, if your dogs are shredding sticks and spitting out the splinters, as my dog does, I don't see the harm.  I don't see how a raw bone is any safer than a saliva-drenched splinter of branch that will get broken down in the stomach with little effort.  dogs and all other mammals cannot digest wood. That saliva-drenched splinter of branch is an emergency vet visit waiting to happen. I don't want to resort to anecdotal evidence on this one, or detract from the original post.  Use your own judgement with your dog and wood chewing. "nuff said.

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