Tip of the month for July

THE USE OF TOYS

People usually over stock on dog toys and have 20 different types all over the floor or in their dog’s bed. Your dog will be bored and confused not knowing which one to choose. I recommend you have a few out at a time and rotate every week. This will help keep your dog interested and he will be excited every time you bring out a new toy. This will be safer for us because there will be less of a chance of tripping or stubbing a toe on objects on the floor. It is also important to pick the right toys so no harm will come to your dog. Latex toys are considered unsafe toys and should always be supervised. They can be ripped and pieces may break off and swallowed by your dog. This can scar the intestines while passing through your dog’s digestive system and cause an infection. Edible toys are also considered unsafe because pieces break off and could cause your dog to choke. Nylabones, gumabones, Kongs are some examples of safe toys. Kongs are realistic because they create an artificial hunt, like chasing a rabbit in the wild. It has an unusual shape that causes an unpredictable bounce creating a challenge. Nylabones replace animal bones from the carcass of a kill. Gumabones replace the flesh. Dental bones clean AND massage gums.

TUG-OF-WAR

This is a game that should not be played with dominant dogs who always have to win. This will only create more behavioural problems down the road. You must always end up the winner to show you are strong enough to be leader.

GAMES THAT LEAVE YOU IN-CONTROL

Hide-and-seek is a great game that not only leaves you in control but it will also stimulate your dog’s mind. He will be challenged to find objects by smelling their odours, like rubber toys or humans. Your dog will use his sense of smell to find things like he would in the wild, to find prey or a predator approaching.

STIMULATING MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY

Balls, Frisbees, Kong’s are all chase toys, and in the wild represent the possibility of a meal for your dog. Most dogs have a strong instinct to hunt for survival and will be more than happy to play these chase games with you.

SQUEAKERS REPRESENT KILLING

In the wild your dog would have to chase his prey, catch it, and kill it. When prey is being killed it will make a squeaking sound as it tries to escape. This may sound cruel to some people but we must understand where our dog comes from, and that he has instincts, and why they do some of the things they do. It is very important that we not compare dogs to humans. They are totally different in many ways.

CHEW TOYS

These must be provided in order for your dog to keep his teeth and gums healthy. Avoid chews like pig’s ear and rawhide they can affect your dogs diet and bring out natural instincts that can lead to aggressive behaviour.