We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring 2 beautiful canines. We have a 14-month-old Purebred West Highland Terrier (Westie) named Isabel and a 5-year-old Labrador/ Mastiff/Akita mix named Chance.
Hi I am Isabel. My mom and dad say I am full of spunk! My favourite toys are balls and empty water bottles. My favourite sport is hunting for chipmunks. I am excellent with all people, dogs, and cats. As an off leash dog I learned at a young age the property boundaries and I’m pretty good about staying within them…..unless I get transfixed on a chipmunk. LOL. Despite being white in colour I am at my happiest when covered in dirt. I love my older K9 brother Chance, and we play, walk, hunt, and zoom together.
Hi everyone, I am Chance. Mom and dad rescue me at 6 weeks old from an unsafe environment. I am now a handsome 120 pounds and moms says I am a gentle giant, highly intelligent and kind. I am a loyal guardian of the property, family, and other pets. Moms says I have a chilled demeanor but look intimidating to strangers.
I love to be as close to people as possible. I love my little K9 sister Isabel, I play with her and will run to her aid when she barks. Mom and dad says that I capture the hearts of anyone I meet.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Chewing is normal for K9’s of any age. Domestic and wild dogs spend hours chewing on bones. This activity keeps them stimulated and their jaws strong.
Puppies chew to explore objects and it helps them to relieve pain caused by incoming teeth. Puppies intensified chewing phrase usually ends by 6 months of age.
Older dogs chew as it relieves mild anxiety, boredom and frustration. Chewing also helps clean your K9’s teeth. Dogs can also chew for stimulation and for fun.
Dogs with separation anxiety usually only chew when left alone. Some dogs may lick and chew on fabrics which can be a behavioural issue and experts believe this to be a result of your dog having been weaned too early as a puppy. (Before 7-8 weeks old)
A dog that has been put on a calorie-restricted diet may chew and destroy objects in attempt to find a source of food.
Both puppies and adult dogs should be taught what is allowed to be chewed and what is inappropriate chewing. They need to be taught in a gentle manner.
We recommend providing your dog with plenty of his/her own toys. Pay attention to the type of toys that he/she chew for a long period of time, as you may want to keep that toy in stock. If your dog gets bored easily try rotating your K9’s toys every couple of days. Remember remove any ribbons, buttons, or tags from the toy beforehand for K9 safety.
If you want to give your K9 a bone, rawhide or pig ear, please supervise to ensure they do not choke on these.
Never give your dog cooked bones, chicken wings, or T-bones as these can splinter and cause serious injury.
When your dog is chewing something, they should not, say “out” or “drop it” and remove the item and replace it with something they can chew. Then praise them. NEVER get into a power struggle with your dog.
Remember do not punish, spank, or scold your K9 if they damaged something hours ago, they would not understand the connection between the punishment and that behaviour they did hours ago.
If you feel your dog will aggressively react to you when removing the toy/item, please email Paul for additional training or advice.
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