BITING, CHEWING AND DIGGING
Biting
A dog that bites people can soon learn to use this power to control its family.
Biting is often an attention-seeking device, to stop this behavoir:
- whenever h/she use teeth during play, say "No!" in a FIRM tone of voice. Then walk off and ignore the dog for five minutes;
- No more two-systems - all members of the family must adopt the SAME attitude in training. It is no good scolding the dog for biting and next second you engage ina rough game with the dog and allows it to use its teeth; and
- get your dog some chewing toys
Chewing
Destructuctive chewing may be related to anxiety. Some tips to lessen anxiety:
- train your dog to lie on his/her bed or in a crate;
- teach your dog h/she cannot always receive attention on demand
- for separation anxiety, begin with short departures and then gradually increase the length of your timeaway to lessen their anxiety
Chew toys are a great way to divert their anxiety. Present them different toys and rotate them from time to time to stimualte and keep their interest.
Digging
There are many reasons why dogs dig: to cool off, bury and recover bones or other toys, escape confinement or just for fun. Dogs may be more prone to dig when they are left alone without another diversion. To keep your dog stimulated and occupied, provide him with chew or tug toys and increase play & exercise time to tire him out. You may also consider a second dog.
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