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