Home | Education | FAQs | Chewing Devices
Some Things to Know About Chewing Devices
All dogs have an inherent need to chew that begins when they first grow
teeth and continues through old age. Chewing is essential for dogs for
several reasons. IT RELIEVES BOREDOM for all ages. You could liken chewing
in dogs to fingernail biting in humans; it gives them something to do.
It is a pleasurable activity for dogs, who are very oral. IT HELPS WITH
TEETHING (puppies) and IT IS GOOD FOR THE TEETH AND GUMS.
What
will the dog chew when the need arises and he has no acceptable bone
nearby? The answer: your shoes, furniture, etc. Your items smell like
you, so they are naturally more fun to chew when they are handy. Keep
your shoes and other enticing items out of reach, and give your dog
an acceptable chewing device--something not easily consumed by the dog.
Chew bones are made of hard rubber or plastic, and are sometimes impregnated
with smell or taste to attract the dog's attention. The best are made
by Nylabone, and come in several sizes and textures. Nylabone products,
especially the GALILEO bone, are safe (dogs cannot break off or swallow
large pieces), long-lasting, and help stimulate the teeth and gums.
They are a necessity for your dog. (I recommend the GALILEO bone, as
it is touted as the strongest. It should last several years, even with
a lot of use.) Sterilized white bones are also good choices,
and can be stuffed with small bits of food.
Rawhides can be used occasionally as TREATS under supervision, but rawhides are
NOT considered acceptable chewing devices because they are consumable,
break off in large clumps that can cause blockages in your dog, and should
not be available to the dog at all times.
ADDING VALUE
Adding value to bones and toys is important; without it the items serve
no real purpose. To add value to a chew bone, sit down with your dog,
and pet him for a few minutes. Allow him to sniff the bone, and praise
him every time he does. Every attempt he makes toward mouthing, chewing,
or even licking the bone must be met with IMMEDIATE praise by you, petting,
and maybe a tasty treat. If the dog seems disinterested in the bone, rubbing
it with a smelly meat like hot dog or salami will stimulate him to lick/bite
it. When he does, praise! Do this for several minutes, then move
on to another game for a few moments before coming back to the bone and
repeating the process. After you have created interest in the bone, and
praised the dog during several sessions with it, you should not need to
rub it with anything anymore. It should remain available for the dog at
all times, and every time you notice him chewing it, praise him. This
creates good habits for the life of the dog.
Another
good chewing device is a Kong toy, which is made of hard rubber
with holes at either end and functions as a fetch toy or a chew toy. Stuff
soft food in the ends of the device and leave it as a "pacifier"
for your dog in his safe zone or crate while you are not at home, or anytime.
Try www.kongcompany.com for great recipes, or use canned dog food, low-fat
peanut butter, cream cheese, tiny pieces of meat, etc. Your dog gets rewarded
for chewing the proper item, and you save your furniture and your sanity.
You can also use this method to feed the dog his regular meals if he is
a finicky eater or very pushy/dominant. One woman I know who crates her
two dogs during the day makes up Kongs ahead of time, freezes them, and
when she goes to the freezer in the morning before heading off to work,
the dogs run to get in their crates in anticipation of the treat. Experiment!