To start off:
1. Puppy proof your house or apatment. If he doesn't have you're favorite shoes to chew on then he won't.
Close doors, pick up rugs, don't leave things on low tables, etc. If you don't want it chewed, don't leave it out.
2. Don't give your puppy toys that look like your things. It's really hard to tell between the teddy
you got him at Wal-mart and the teddy you've had since the day you were born!
If those things don't seem to work and your puppy has, chewed through your wall let's say...
1. Stop leaving your puppy out in your house. Get him a crate that is large enough for him to turn around
in and lay down but nothing else. If you're going to be gone all day have a roommate, friend or boyfriend/girlfriend drop
by to let it out for potty but go right back in the crate. Puppies shouldn't be left alone for a VERY long time (at least
past 1 year old)
2. Begin practicing by leaving your puppy home alone for 5 minutes. Go check the mail and come back
(but act like you're leaving for a long time). When you come back and he's been good, praise him and tell him what a good
boy he is! Keep practicing by working up to higher and higher times till he can go 3 or 4 hours. Then, as long as he can hold
his bladder, he'll be good as long as you're gone.
More Tricks!!!
- Be sure your dog has enough excersise. Destructive behavior almost always stems from boredom and not enough excersise.
- Train your puppy! A trained dog is a happy dog. They feel more like a part of your life and your family and they feel
responsible. Dogs love to be challenged and always feel very good when they've accomplished something
- At Pet'smart there is a product called Sour Spray that is bitter tasting and dogs don't want to chew on it. You can spray
this anywhere you don't want him to chew, although if he's chewing up walls you might have to take out a loan to cover them
all. I believe they sell this stuff in a 2-5 ounce bottle that costs about $5.
- NEVER EVER discipline your puppy after the fact. You may only discipline him if you catch him in the act of doing something.
After the incident has occured is WAY to late because his mind has moved on to bigger and better things and he will associate
the discipline to whatever he thought about last (which was probably you because you just walked in the door to find his big
mess!)
