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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: I adopted our
second English cocker spaniel named Jesse. He’s very sweet and loving,
but he carries things in his mouth he shouldn’t, mostly my underwear.
He’ll chew on pillows, too, and jump to get things; he once scarfed down
brownies, Saran Wrap and all. He loves to chew. What can I do? -- J.R.,
Cape May, N.J.
A: Give Jesse stuff
he can carry in his mouth. Advises trainer Liz Palika, of Oceanside,
Calif. Whenever Jesse goes for something, such as a pillow, sternly say
"no." Then tell the dog to get his plush squeaky toy, rawhide
or tennis ball — whatever toy he likes. "Be low-key but be clear
when you say ‘no,’ and really praise that dog like crazy when he and chews
on something he should. Practice, by telling Jesse, ‘get your toy’ or
‘get your ball’ when he isn’t chewing on something, and praise him when
he does it.. Make it a game, and your dog will like it. Eventually, he’ll
pick up these things on his own initiative and when he does, keep praising."
Jesse could be chewing
on things because he loves to chew but he may also be getting off on the
negative attention you’re giving him. While you should say "no"
when he’s nibbling on your Victoria Secret wear, don’t overdo it. Also,
boredom may play a role here; give your pup something else fun to do.
For kicks, dogs love rolling around Buster Cubes (plastic cubes your can
fill with kibble that falls out as the dog pushes) and Kong toys stuffed
with goodies. Both items are available at pet stores.
By the way, brownies
-- or anything made with chocolate -- are toxic to dogs, and Saran Wrap
isn’t exactly healthy, either. Keep people food out of reach, and pick
up your underwear.
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