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