| Anyone who owns a dog or puppy will eventually | | | | would be a mistake to go to the dog every time |
| run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. | | | | it whines. |
| While most dogs are eager to please their owners | | | | - After you have ensured that the dog's physical |
| and smart enough to do what is asked of them, | | | | needs are being met, and that discomfort is not |
| it is important for the owner to properly | | | | responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to |
| communicate just what constitutes acceptable | | | | reprimand the dog for inappropriate behavior. |
| and unacceptable behaviors. | | | | Problem Chewing |
| Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its | | | | Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore |
| own specific cures, and in most cases the cures | | | | their world using their mouths and teeth. While |
| will need to be tailored to fit the specific | | | | chewing may be normal, however, it is not |
| personality of the dog. Every breed of dog has its | | | | acceptable, and it is important to nip any chewing |
| own unique personality characteristics, and every | | | | problems in the bud to prevent the chewing |
| individual within that breed has his or her own | | | | puppy from growing into a chewing dog. |
| unique personality. | | | | Providing a variety of chew toys is important |
| Whining, howling and excessive barking | | | | when teaching a puppy what is appropriate to |
| Let's start with one of the most frequently | | | | chew and what is not. Providing a variety of |
| encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and | | | | attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the |
| puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is | | | | puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and |
| perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling | | | | gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are |
| and whining can become problematic. This is | | | | great choices for most puppies. |
| particularly important for those living in apartment | | | | The puppy should be encouraged to play with |
| buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding | | | | these chosen toys, and the puppy should be |
| complaints about barking is not the best way for | | | | effusively praised every time he or she plays |
| you and your dog to meet the neighbors. | | | | with or chews these toys. |
| Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, | | | | Another great strategy is to encourage the |
| barking and howling include: | | | | puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets |
| - If your puppy or dog is howling or whining while | | | | you. Every time the puppy greets you or a |
| confined to its crate, immediately take it to its | | | | member of your family, teach him to get one of |
| toilet area. Most puppies and dogs will whine when | | | | his toys. |
| they need to do their business. | | | | It is also important to exercise good |
| - It is important to teach a dog or a puppy to | | | | housekeeping techniques when training a puppy |
| accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from | | | | not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the |
| separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can | | | | area to which the puppy has access free and |
| exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying | | | | clean is important. Keeping items out of reach of |
| behaviors. It is important to accustom the puppy | | | | the puppy will go a long way toward discouraging |
| to being left on its own, even when the owner is | | | | inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the puppy's |
| at home. | | | | area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and |
| - Always strive to make the puppy or dog as | | | | always make sure that the area has been |
| comfortable as possible. Always attend to the | | | | properly puppy proofed. |
| physical and psychological needs of the dog by | | | | If the puppy does pick up an inappropriate item |
| providing food, water and toys. | | | | like a shoe, distract the puppy and quickly replace |
| - If the dog is whining, check for obvious reasons | | | | the item with one of its toys. After the puppy |
| first. Is the water dish empty? Is the dog showing | | | | has taken the toy, praise it for playing with and |
| signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled | | | | chewing that toy. |
| under the furniture? Is the temperature of the | | | | Try booby trapping items the dog should avoid by |
| room too hot or too cold? | | | | spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or |
| - Do not reward the puppy or dog for whining. If | | | | other nasty but non-toxic items. |
| the dog whines when left alone, for instance, it | | | | |