Thursday 25 March 2010

Tips On Eliminating Your Puppy Bad Habits Of Whining, Excessive Barking And Chewing

Anyone who owns a dog or puppy will eventually run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most dogs are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do what is required of them, it is important for the owner to properly communicate just what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases the healer will have to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the dog. Each breed has its own unique personality characteristics, and each of the breed has its own unique personality.

Whimpering, howling and excessive barking

Let's start with one of the most commonly encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases, barking, howling and whining can become problematic. This is especially important for those who live in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.

Some tips to handle large whining, barking and howling include:

If your puppy or dog is howling or whining while confined to his box, immediately take it to its toilet area. Most puppies and dogs will whine when they need to do their business.

It is important to teach a dog or a puppy to accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all kinds of destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the puppy to be left to itself, even when the owner is home.

Always strive to make the puppy or dog as comfortable as possible. Always take care of the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.

If the dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first. Is the water dish empty? Is the dog showing signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?

Do not reward the puppy or dog for whining. If the dog whine when left to itself, for example, it would be a mistake to go to the dog every time it whine.

Once you've ensured that the dog's physical needs are met and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the dog for inappropriate behavior.

Problem Chewing

Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their world through their mouth and teeth. While chewing may be normal, but it is not acceptable and it is important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing puppy from growing into a chewing dog.

Provided that a number of chew toys is important when teaching a puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not. Providing a range of attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the puppy, and keep his teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for most puppies.

The puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen toys, and puppy must be effusive praise each time he or she plays with or chews these toys.

Another great strategy is to encourage the puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets you. Each time the puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get one of his toys.

It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques when training a puppy not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the area where your puppy has access free and clean is important. Keep items out of reach of your puppy will go a long way to counteract inappropriate chewing. Try to keep your puppy's area free of shoes, trash, and other topics, and always make sure that the area has been properly secured puppy.

If the puppy has picked up an inappropriate item like a shoe, distract the puppy and quickly replace the item with one of his toys. Once the puppy has taken the toy, praise it to play with and chew toy.

Try booby trapping items the dog should avoid by spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other unpleasant but non-toxic products.

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