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How do I get my 1.5 year old male Boxer to stop chewing on everything and only chew on his stuff? And which toys are best for him?
Overview
Chewing is indeed an issue for both puppies and dogs of any breed. You can stop chewing problems, no matter what the age of the dog. While puppies chew due to teething issues, sometimes an older dog must be trained regarding what items are "okay" and which are off limits.
Stopping the Habit
While your Boxer was teething and uncontrollably chewing on everything to ease his discomfort, he most likely developed a habit of chewing on whatever his heart desired. This can be fixed with training. Your 2nd question falls into this one, as the 1st step is to arm yourself with a good amount of proper toys.
A dog toy is not just a dog toy. Buy a cheap dog toy and all you have is a boring rubber object that your dog will ignore. Buy some great dog toys and now your Boxer has a whole stash of fun things to chew on that will keep him entertained.
You should have 2 dog toys collections. Each should contain at least 10 toys. Each week, allow your dog to play with one collection while the other remains hidden away. Then the next week, you will swap that collection for the 2nd one. This offers your dog a "new" set of toys each week and will help to keep him interested.
Your entire collection of dog toys should include:
Chewing is indeed an issue for both puppies and dogs of any breed. You can stop chewing problems, no matter what the age of the dog. While puppies chew due to teething issues, sometimes an older dog must be trained regarding what items are "okay" and which are off limits.
Stopping the Habit
While your Boxer was teething and uncontrollably chewing on everything to ease his discomfort, he most likely developed a habit of chewing on whatever his heart desired. This can be fixed with training. Your 2nd question falls into this one, as the 1st step is to arm yourself with a good amount of proper toys.
A dog toy is not just a dog toy. Buy a cheap dog toy and all you have is a boring rubber object that your dog will ignore. Buy some great dog toys and now your Boxer has a whole stash of fun things to chew on that will keep him entertained.
You should have 2 dog toys collections. Each should contain at least 10 toys. Each week, allow your dog to play with one collection while the other remains hidden away. Then the next week, you will swap that collection for the 2nd one. This offers your dog a "new" set of toys each week and will help to keep him interested.
Your entire collection of dog toys should include:
- Challenges. There are many dog toys in which the toys is quite like a puzzle. Dog treats are put inside and then your Boxer will need to figure out how to release those yummy smelling treats! Toys such as this can keep a dog busy for hours.
- Colors. Not long ago, people believed that dogs could not see color. This is not true. Dogs so see color. When the sun is setting, during this "twilight time", this is much how a dog sees color. Toys should be very colorful and interesting.
- Sound. Shy or skittish dogs may not like dog toys that make noises; but most dogs will love them. When a dog is chewing or playing with a toy and an interesting noise sounds off, this keeps the dog interested. And the goal is to keep your Boxer happy and busy.
Stopping the Games
Many owners do not realize that their actions encourage a dog to chew on inappropriate objects. When your Boxer is chewing on something that you do not want him to, do you give chase? Do you jump up, say something in an excited tone and then play tug-of-war in an attempt to have your dog release the object? Or do you chase him around the home to get it back? If so, your dog thinks that by chewing on these items, you and he are playing a game! He thinks the game is fun and will continue to do this in order to gain your attention and those fun games of tug-of-war or chase.
If this is happening, stop doing this. Never allow yourself to get manipulated into playing a game.
First, it is very important to remove as many inappropriate objects as possible. If your dog cannot reach them, he cannot chew on them. Shoes, pens, remotes...anything and everything should be put up high and out of reach when at all possible.
Then, armed with your new, interesting dog toys, each and every time that your dog chews on something that you do not wish for....remain calm, speak in a slow calm voice and offer a trade. Most dogs will gladly give up a show to have a fun dog toy with hidden yummy treats inside.
Each and every time that your Boxer does agree to the "trade", give him great praise to teach him that his behavior in taking the toys is wonderful and that you are proud of him.
Do you have a Boxer question and need fast advice? Click here to learn more.
Many owners do not realize that their actions encourage a dog to chew on inappropriate objects. When your Boxer is chewing on something that you do not want him to, do you give chase? Do you jump up, say something in an excited tone and then play tug-of-war in an attempt to have your dog release the object? Or do you chase him around the home to get it back? If so, your dog thinks that by chewing on these items, you and he are playing a game! He thinks the game is fun and will continue to do this in order to gain your attention and those fun games of tug-of-war or chase.
If this is happening, stop doing this. Never allow yourself to get manipulated into playing a game.
First, it is very important to remove as many inappropriate objects as possible. If your dog cannot reach them, he cannot chew on them. Shoes, pens, remotes...anything and everything should be put up high and out of reach when at all possible.
Then, armed with your new, interesting dog toys, each and every time that your dog chews on something that you do not wish for....remain calm, speak in a slow calm voice and offer a trade. Most dogs will gladly give up a show to have a fun dog toy with hidden yummy treats inside.
Each and every time that your Boxer does agree to the "trade", give him great praise to teach him that his behavior in taking the toys is wonderful and that you are proud of him.
Do you have a Boxer question and need fast advice? Click here to learn more.
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Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
