Occupy the dog and keep him out of trouble

June 25, 8:10 PMBirmingham Dog Care ExaminerApril Mitchem

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Dogs can learn good habits or bad habits and what they learn is up to the owners.  Bored dogs can be destructive, messy troublemakers.  When their minds are occupied and their bodies are tired, they are not destructive and are much more likely to be an endeared member of the family instead of the family nuisance. 

The first thing all new dog owners should do is crate train their dog.  If the dog is crated while the owner can not watch him, he can't get into trouble and eat the couch.  This is also especially useful for dogs that are not housetrained.  Dogs do not like to soil their beds and generally will not potty in their crate. 

When dogs are taught to think of their crate as their little den where they can go to rest, chew a bone, or just hang out, they are happy to spend time in it.  The crate should never be used as punishment and a dog should never be physically forced into it.  Frightening the dog in relation to the crate will only make him afraid of the crate.  It is so simple to toss a couple of yummy treats into the kennel and let the dog go in on his own.  Some dogs may whine to be let out at first, which should be ignored.  Let them out when they are quiet.  Initially, a few seconds of quiet is fine and gradually increase the amount of time quiet is required.  Many dogs won't whine, especially if given something to do while in the crate.  Give them a rawhide or natural bone to chew while you recline nearby.  If left alone, give them a nylabone or a stuffed Kong to occupy them.  As they learn that being in the crate brings good things, they will begin to seek it out.

For most people, it is necessary to leave the dog home alone while the owner works.  This is fine and normal and no reason to worry that you are being unfair to your dog.  Certainly, never leave your dog outside unattended.  If your dog is young or just doesn't know the house rules yet, perhaps you've adopted an older dog, then crate him while you are at work to prevent any surprises upon homecoming.  It is not cruel to crate the dog while the owner is away as long as the dog was exercised in the morning and had ample opportunity to relieve himself.  Leaving the dog more than about 8 hr is not a great idea so a pet sitter might be in order.  Once the dog understands the rules and has some training, he may not need to be crated but leaving his crate present and accessible allows him a wonderful den to call his own. 

For entertainment, stuffed Kongs complete with frozen, plain yogurt or peanut butter are a great way to occupy a dog.  Currently, Kong is running a promotion to win a basket full of Kong products.  There are many types of Kongs, even for kitties and birds, so it should be easy to find just the right one.  Nylabones (plastic, non-edible), Everlast Treat Balls, and Orbee Tough Toys are all great for dogs to chew to relieve boredom.  Certainly be aware of how much your dog chews and never leave them with a toy they might tear apart and ingest.

Occupy the mind, tire the body with exercise, and prevent bad habits from forming by crating dogs when they are unattended.