Underwear Chewers and iPad Eaters – Why Dog, Why?

Proud destructo dog mom and behavioral therapist, Mindy Mitchell joins Crystal on this episode to talk about why dogs chew, why they target the things they do, and why they sometimes eat those things too!

Mindy and Lenny

Will your dog grow out of their destructive phase? Can’t you just punish destructive behavior? We’ll tackle these myths and cover what you can do to be effective without inspiring a wicked game of chase in your living room.

What causes destructive behaviors? Let’s talk puppy teething, curiosity, self-soothing, anxiety, Stinky’s passion for underwear, and Brue’s love for anything he can swallow.

Resources:

Recommended for Teething: Kongs (frozen with stuffing like natural peanut butter), frozen carrots, soft puppy recommended teething toys from makers like Nylabone (or similar makers), Rope toysRecommended Tough Toys: Benebone, Starmark, & Whole Bones (not cooked)For dogs who eat things: We’ve had luck with Benebones, Whole Bones (size appropriate for the dog/too big to swallow), interactive puzzles. Closely monitor all toy interactions if your dog eats things and avoid items that trigger their need to swallow the item (like fabric toys which are similar to socks and other commonly ingested items). Before giving a dog who eats things any toys, teach “drop it” and “leave it” commands first so that you can get an item away from them easily if needed. Hiring a professional trainer for this is highly recommended.

**Sorry, no video this month, folks. It’s been a rough February down here in Texas. We’re just sticking with audio-only for this one so you get it on time. Here is a cute picture of Stinky in his puppy prime though.**

Stinky