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How to Stop Puppy Problem Chewing | Dog Tips Secret



You can't stop puppy chewing because it's normal dog behavior. Puppies don’t chew your prized possessions because they’re mad at you. They instinctively use teeth the way human babies reach out with tiny fists. Your puppy chews to explore the world, to manipulate objects, to relieve boredom, and because it feels good.

Destructive chewing still makes owners howl. Years ago I hobbled for weeks when my pup gnawed a quarter-inch off just one of my high heels. He also chomped my husband’s favorite property—the TV remote. He targeted items that smelled like us to feel closer to us and soothe puppy loneliness, but we still didn’t appreciate the compliment!

Chewing gets pups in trouble when they aren’t provided with legal chewing opportunities, and forbidden objects are left within reach. Puppy chewing can break teeth, result in dangerous swallowed objects, or burns and electrocution if Junior bites an electrical cord or eats a poisonous plant. Teething increases the urge to gnaw because it relieves sore gums, but dogs usually continue the habit into adulthood.

Don't try to stop it. Instead, prevent puppy chewing problems by removing temptation, and offering lots of better (legal) opportunities. Refer to the following 8 tips to manage your puppy's gnawing habit.

How to Train Your Dog to Eliminate on Command | Dog Tips Secret



Most of us are thrilled when our dogs or puppies learn to relieve themselves outside. But then come the days when we stand out in rain, sleet, or snow waiting for our dogs to pick just the right spot to go to the bathroom. Or days when we're running late and our dogs stop to smell every blade of grass before finally going. The good news is that once your dog or puppy is housebroken, you can avoid these frustrating scenarios simply by training your dog to go potty on command. The process isn't complex, but it does start with understanding your dog's own routines and preferences.

How to Train Your Dog in Agility Sports | Dog Training Tips



Agility is a competitive sport for dogs. It is an obstacle course made up of jumps, tunnels, and walkways. Dogs and handlers work as teams, with the handler helping the dog navigate the obstacles in the correct order.

Some people do agility training just for fun, while others enjoy competing in agility trials. During the trials, dog and handler teams compete to see who can complete the obstacle course the fastest and with the fewest mistakes.

Dog Trainers Versus Animal Behaviorists | Dog Training Tips



Are you looking for someone to help you train your dog or work with a behavior problem that your dog has? It can be hard to find the right person for the job. You've probably heard of dog trainers and animal behaviorists, but do you know the difference between the two? How can you determine which one is right for your dog?

There are many dog-related careers that are often misunderstood by the public. One common example is the confusion between dog trainers and animal behaviorists.

Is Your Puppy A Dangerous Dog Breed? - Dog Tips Secret

Is Your Puppy A Dangerous Dog Breed?

Exactly what is a dangerous dog? First, you must define “dangerous.” While the vast majority of pet dogs never cause injury to a human, they all have that potential.

There is a difference between using the term “dangerous dog” in conversation and using it in a legal context. The law has very specific definitions for “dangerous dog” but it varies depending on the city, state, and county where you live.

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging - Dog Tips Secret

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging
Dog owners often complain that their dogs spend too much time digging in the yard. This common dog behavior problem can be extremely frustrating and is almost always a sign of a dog who's bored or understimulated.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop your dog from digging, or at least, make it a less-destructive habit. You'll be fighting the dog's instinct to dig and bury things, but there are ways to stop your dog from digging.

How to Stop Sudden Aggression in a Dog - Dog Tips Secret

How to Stop Sudden Aggression in a Dog

If your adult dog has been with you for a while, you can usually predict its behavior in various types of situations. But in general, you can rely on your dog's personality and temperament to stay about the same over the long haul. That's why it can be such a shock to see your easygoing companion suddenly become irritable, start snapping at people or objects or even act downright vicious.

Sudden aggression in your dog can be scary and off-putting. The key to dealing with this behavioral change is to first try to determine the cause. At the same time, it's important to keep your dog, as well as your human friends, family, other pets, and yourself, safe by seeking the help of your vet right away.

In the meantime, handle the dog in a careful, nonaggressive way and take action to manage its aggression until you're able to figure out what's causing it and ideally find a safe, workable solution.

Top Reasons Why Dogs Become Aggressive

How to Stop Your Dog From Fearing the Veterinarian- Dogtipsecret

How to Stop Your Dog From Fearing the Veterinarian

Fear of going to see the vet is a common anxiety in dogs. Even the most happy-go-lucky canine may cower and tuck its tail as you try to coax it through the door of your veterinarian's office.

While your dog might never learn to love a trip to visit the veterinarian, there are steps you can take to assuage some of the anxiety your pet feels when it senses a vet visit is imminent.

My Pet Is Acting Abnormal, What Should I Do? - Dog Tips Secret

My Pet Is Acting Abnormal, What Should I Do

One thing to recognize is that each animal is an individual. While there are norms for each species, age, breed, and so on, each animal will have its own set of "normal" parameters and behaviors.

If you feel that your pet is not him or herself, but he or she is not really "sick" either, it is wise to check in with your vet to see if an exam is warranted—even if it is just a phone call to touch base.

Ultimately, you know your pet best, and while a description of "not himself" can encompass a variety of situations, it is best to get your vet's opinion, as animals can be very good at hiding illness until the problem is advanced.

How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up- Dog Tips Secret


How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up
Jumping up is a common behavior problem among dogs. You may be annoyed by your excited, overly exuberant dog attacking you the minute you step through the front door. But it can actually be dangerous for small children, people who have physical disabilities, some older people, and people who aren't expecting your dog's greeting. The good news is that you can train your dog to stop jumping on people and start greeting everyone more politely.

How to Train Your Dog Not to Bite - Dog Tips Secret

How to Train Your Dog Not to Bite

Any dog can bite. According to the Center for Disease Control, dogs bite around 4.5 million people each year. This number may seem frightening, but there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your dog doesn't contribute to this dog bite statistic.

When a dog bites a person, it is often out of fear or protectiveness. Training to prevent dog bites involves proper socialization, providing structure, and building your dog's confidence. 

Help Your Dog Get Over Its Fearing Strangers - Dog Tips Secret

Help Your Dog Get Over Its Fearing Strangers
 
Some dogs suffer extreme fear of strangers. They cower, tremble, and try to hide from any new person they meet. While it's not unheard of for dogs to be afraid of strangers, the ideal reaction is one of open friendliness, not hiding or running away. If your dog is excessively fearful around strangers, it's a good idea to understand the reasons why so you can help it get past its fear.

How to Train Your Dog to Handle a Toddler - Dog Tips Secret

How to Train Your Dog to Handle a Toddler

You thought you were over the biggest hurdle once your dog accepted your baby as part of the family. Now, things are changing again. Your baby is turning into a toddler, and the sudden mobility can change the relationship with your dog. Toddlers have a tendency to pull tails, play with dog toys, and grab handfuls of dog fur. Keep this in mind as you make adjustments to keep the peace between your toddler and your dog. These tips use common sense and repetition to help you manage life with an active toddler and a pup.

How to Train Your Dog to Be Social - Dog Tips Secret

How to Train Your Dog to Be Social

Many people understand the importance of socializing a puppy. They make sure puppies get to experience a wide variety of people, places, and situations. What many people don't realize is that it's just as important to continue socializing dogs well into adulthood. It's true that all dogs can be socialized.

Dog socialization involves making your dog comfortable with a variety of people and circumstances. It has long been pointed out by dog trainers and animal behaviorists that puppies under 4 months of age benefit from having positive interactions with a variety of people and encountering as many new objects and situations as possible. This includes things such as meeting people in uniform, encountering people carrying umbrellas, interacting with children, having their feet handled, and as many other things you think of that your dog might encounter in its life. Dog socialization should not end with puppyhood, though. It is a process that should continue throughout the life of a dog.

How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs and Puppies - Dog Tips



How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs and Puppies

Destructive chewing is one of the most common behavior problems in dogs and puppies. In many cases, it's a natural behavior that can be redirected. Sometimes, however, it's a sign that your dog or puppy is in pain, anxious, or bored. Once you figure out the cause of your pet's destructive chewing, there are a number of steps you can take to eliminate the problem.

How to Train Your Dog to Stop Begging - Dog Tips Secret

How to Train Your Dog to Stop Begging

Begging is a common behavior problem faced by dog owners. While teaching a dog to beg on cue is a cute trick, it can be frustrating to have your dog hounding you for food every time you take out a snack or sit down to a meal. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to stop your dog from begging.

Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia - Dog Tips Secret


Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia
Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia may become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. Find out what causes thunderstorm phobia in dogs and learn how to manage it for the sake of your dog and your own peace of mind.