How To React To Your Dog's Chewing

If you come home and see that your dog has destroyed something by chewing. A strong NO maybe in order if you catch him/her in the act. After that ignore your canine for 5 to 10 minutes. Because you don’t want him/her to associate attention from you with the act of chewing, even it is negative attention
If you don’t catch your dog in the act, don’t scold him/her but don’t give your dog any attention. Some trainers tell you to go pick up the chewed object or look at it, act as though you are displeased and go do some other business in the house.
The best thing is to keep your perspective. Try and put your valuables out of reach and remember that most dogs outgrow the chewing stage.
At Love That Pet Store, we have a variety of chew bones and toys. Also we have a Bitter Cherry Spray to help discourage puppies and dogs from chewing on your belongings.

Behavior Problems Common to Confined Dogs

Chewing is a behavior problem with canines who are confined. Puppies will usually chew because they are teething. Chewing helps their teeth break through the gums. Older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiousness, or both.
A dog who is bored chews because he/she has too much energy and has no other way to release it. Dogs, unlike people, can’t watch tv, read a book or talk on the phone to pass time. They can’t sleep forever too. Unless you spend time teaching your dog what he/she can chew on. Dogs don’t know the difference between their chew toys and the leg on a table.
There are dogs who chew because you have left them alone. These dogs are know as “spite chewer”. They chew out of revenge. Even if you play and exercise them, they are still upset that you left. Behaviorist call this separation anxiety. Dogs like these need to know that you will return. Your returning needs to be a habit to these dogs.
At Love That Pet Store, we have a variety of dog chews and treats.

And Man Created Dog

I watched this National Geographic Special “And Man Created Dog”. It was very informative and interesting. It talked about how our ancestors 32,000 years ago came in contact with the wolf. Human and wolves didn’t know how to react at first, but over time they found a common bond. In those early day, wolves were known as camp wolves. They found out the humans left garbage, which made it easy for them to eat instead of hunting for their own food. One day a camp wolf protected her pups from a wild animal and got killed. By her protecting her young, she inadvertently saved the humans too. The humans took the young pups in and from that day there was a special bond. Our ancestors bred the wolves and only kept the ones who were less aggressive. Over many years, the wolves evolved into the dogs we know today. Now, there are over 400 breeds of canines and 70,000,000 dogs are living in our households today.

Toys For Dogs!

Toys are particularly important for dogs who are indoor or confined. They need as much encouragement as possible to exercise inside, playing with dog toys will help keep their interest and prevent boredom.
All dog toys are not suitable for all dogs. What might be safe for one dog might not be for another. Make sure dog toys don't have any small parts for your dog to swallow and choke on. When getting a new dog toy, observe your canine with it long enough to see that it is safe for your dog. With the exception of bones and chews, most dog toys aren't going to be much fun for your dog unless you play with him/her too.
At Love That Pet Store, we have a huge variety of dog toys.
This was referenced from "The Guilt Free Dog Owner's Guide".

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Have you wondered why cats scratch? They scratch to mark their territories. Through scratching, cat's paws have a scent gland that leaves their own special scent. They use this to mark their territories.
Exercise: Scratching also serves to keep cats in shape. The act of scratching, stretching and pulling works muscles in cats' front quarters. It is across between feline gym workout and Kitty yoga.
Finally, it is because it just feels good to scratch.

Fear of Thunderstorms

Most dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. Dogs can sense a storm coming even before it arrives.
Canines can sense fear or anxiety in you, so it is important to have a calm attitude toward storms. Let your dog stay close, and try to distract him/her with play. Don’t comfort him/her in a sympathetic voice; it will sound like praise and may increase his/her nervousness and confusion.
Keep window and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes from the lighting. You can turn on TV or radio at normal volume to help distract your dog from the loud noises.
Provide a safe place for your dog during a storm, whether inside or out. Make a special den-like area in your home where your dog always feels safe and secure. When a storm comes, your dog will go to his/her special place so he/she can feel calm and protected.
This was referenced from The Guilt-Free Dog Owners Guide.