By: Mary Beth
Do you have a destructive chewer Does it seem there is no end to your dogs energy Do you feel guilty leaving your dog home alone for hours Does your dog soil in the house despite all housebreaking efforts
Rest assured you are not alone. More importantly there are solutions to your problems.
While there is an abundance of information about these common issues many dog parents still fail in their efforts.
At Canine Kingdom we know this is not the dog parents fault because the right advice and the most effective products are difficult to find.
For example studies have shown that when chewing is directed toward objects that are acceptable less energy is left for objects that are not such as the leg of your antique dining table. Many dog parents do realize that chew toys help to reduce the amount of chewing on the wrong things such as shoes and fingers. However many dog parents do not solve chewing problems with toys because they find that either their dogs are not interested in the chew toys or they chew them up in 30 seconds still ready to take on the rest of the home.
At Canine Kingdom we provide problemsolving products that work and our customer service team will make sure that you know how to use our products and are completely satisfied with your results.
Proven training advice coupled with the right tools enables dogs and people to live together in harmony.
And soCanine Kingdom announces the Top Ten Problems and provides the Best Products for solving them.
#1 Chewing
KONG
The Kong is the safest most chewproof item on the market today and has received the Canine Kingdom Seal of Approval.
Think you know about Kongs Think again! Many people dont know the clever ways Kong Toys solve serious chewing problems.
Kongs can be stuffed with delectables dogs just cant resist them. If you freeze a stuffed Kong it can take hours for even an avid chewer to get to every tidbit in the Kong. Hours of fulfilling entertainment hours that dont include munching on the couch pillows.
Tired dogs are less likely to chew on your new Dolce & Gabbana pumps. The Kong has been designed to entice your dogs innate prey drive. When you throw a Kong it hits the ground and bounces around unpredictably. Bring out the hunter in your dog. A Kong on a rope is perfect for fun fetching and a proven way to burn up excess energy.
See our article on exactly how to use the Kong Food puzzle in our Protocol Center.
Give your dog a chew toy that is safe and as indestructible as possible. There are so many chew toy products on the market today. Many of them can be dangerous and even fatal. Despite what the manufacturers state on packaging all chew toys should be inspected regularly for damage and wear. Always choose a chew toy that is appropriately sized for your dog. A toy that is too small can be swallowed and cause choking. Powerful chewers can devour some inappropriate chew toys possibly resulting in impactions and digestive tract perforations.
#2 Too much energy!
The Long Lead
Most dogs have more energy than their parents would like. Unspent energy can lead to unwanted behaviors such as jumping chewing digging and barking. Exercising your dog on a regular basis is as good for your dog as it is for you. Learn your dogs optimal exercise level. When your dog is relaxed he has reached that state.
Many pet parents are limited in their choice of safe exercise areas. Likewise most dogs do not have a totally reliable recall if they are let loose in an area with many distractions. Using a long lead ensures your dogs safety yet allows him to burn up energy. Dogs can jump sniff run and explore without the restraint of a short leash.
When learning to use a long lead it is best to start out in quiet large treeless areas. Soon your dog will learn the distance of his freedom.
Incorporate some sitstay lessons into your walks. A thinking dog uses up as much energy as a running dog. Toss a Kong a few feet from your dog while in a sitstay position. Release him to fetch after a few seconds. Treats and verbal praise follow. Great fun for you and your dog and an enjoyable way to teach her an important control lesson.
#3 Pulling on a Leash
Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness
Far too many dog parents forego walking with their dog because of leash pulling. Neck collars despite their design and material all put pressure on the dogs trachea and may cause permanent physical damage. Traditional harnesses that have leash connections on the top of the harness on the dogs back can actually encourage dogs to pull harder because of the opposition reflex. That is the reflex that makes sled dogs do what they dopull.
The Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness redirects the pressure through the unique front leash attachment. A patent pending martingale closure tightens slightly across the chest and shoulder blades when your dog attempts to pull forward. When your dog slows down and stops pulling reward him with treats and verbal encouragements.
When training your dog to walk with a loose leash first make sure you run out as much energy as possible in your backyard or home. Initially put the leash on your dog in your home and take your walk around the house. Reward him with treats and praise when he walks without leash tension. Gradually move your walks to quiet areas where there are few distractions such as other dogs or critters. Repeatedly reward your dog when he is walking with a loose leash. Increasingly walk to places where your dog will see or meet other dogs people or wild animals. Remember to continue the treats and praise. Soon both you and your dog will enjoy your walks together without pain or distress to either of you.
The unique design of the Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness is easy to put on and has easy adjustment buckles to ensure a proper fit.
#4 Barking
Dog Door
Nuisance barking caused by loneliness boredom stress from being home alone or commenting on the goings on around the house is often relieved with the ability to go in and outside at will to a safe and secure enclosed yard.
There are many dog doors to choose from. We chose the Staywell Electronic InfraRed Pet Door as its unique technology allows your pet to enter and exit safely without the threat of other animals or people using the door. The Staywell Electronic InfraRed Pet Door uses a small infrare