Toys
And Chews That Are Safe For Your Lab
Training
Dogs & Puppies
If you're thinking of getting a puppy, start searching for a puppy
socialisation class. This is a group where puppies and their owners
can meet and discuss problems. The trainer will give the owners advice
on how to bring up the dog to be obedient and well-behaved. While
the puppies play with other puppies, they are learning to respect
each other and not start fights.
It's never too late to train a dog. You CAN teach
an old dog new tricks but it may take longer!
Animal behavioursists are folk who specialise in correcting problem
behaviour. It's often the owner whose behaviour need modifying! Many
of us tend to "spoil" our dogs by treating them as humans.
Dog Training
Dogs can be problematic if they are not trained. Most dogs enjoy the
attention we give them in training sessions.
Training is about building up a relationship with your dog!
What is your relationship to your dog? Are you and your dog pals?
NO! You are the leader - and the relationship must be on your terms.
A dog will always try to pull his owner's strings
and make the owner dance like a puppet. It should be the other way
around! Give your dog love and attention only when it suits you! Call
the dog to you frequently and give affection. Ignore the dog when
he is behaving badly to get your attention. There is no need to bow
down and worship your dog every time he rolls on his back and asks
for a tummy rub. Instead, call the dog to you, and say, "Want
a tummy rub? Roll over!"
Punishing the dog will not help. He does not understand.
Rather try to reward good behaviour. To begin with, carry around small
titbits of food in your pocket and when you see the dog about to sit,
say "SIT!" and then give the reward and lots of praise.
Eventually the dog will obey for praise only.
The first two months of a dog's life is a crucial
learning time. Try to spend as much time as you can with your puppy
so that he bonds with you. It will be worth it in the long run! You
CAN teach an old dog new tricks, but it takes longer!
Be patient with a puppy's potty-training! The bladder
and bowel control will improve with time. So will your dog's understanding
of what you want him to do. Puppies need to eliminate immediately
on waking up from a nap, and after meals, so take them outside as
soon as they sniff the floor.
Keep the training sessions short, and repeat often.
Get a puppy used to a lead by letting him run around with the lead
trailing behind. Once he is used to this, start gentle short walks
with the dog on your left. Tug the lead up if he pulls ahead. YOU
must lead - not the dog!
Keep smiling! Make the sessions short and enjoyable.
Check our "Links" pg for a link to Pets Publications
and McKaynine Training Centre.
Toys
And Chews
That Are Safe For Your Lab
Many people buy dog toys and chews that are cute, fun, noisy or soft
and cuddly for their pets. The problem is that many of these items
also pose choking and health risks for your dog. They may even contain
potentially dangerous substances as well as be a source of allergies
for you dog. By taking some time to read the labels,
as well as following a few simple guidelines, you can choose dog toys
and chews that are safe and entertaining for your dog.
When planning to purchase dog toys and chews, safety for your
pet should be your first consideration. Many dogs will love
to play with toys that are not safe for them to have. Watch the type
of toys and chews that your dog naturally picks when you're playing
and then try to find safe versions of the same products. The following
tips will help in your selection:
• Size– the toys or chews should be the
correct size for the dog. Toys that are too large are not fun for
the dog as they cannot grasp them in their teeth or paws. Toys or
chews that are too small can be easily demolished and parts swallowed
or simply swallowed whole. This poses a potential health risk and
may even cause death if the toy obstructs the digestive tract or becomes
lodged in the back of the dog’s mouth or throat. The toy needs
to be small enough that the dog can grasp it but not so small that
it can be fully enclosed in the mouth. Small, very bouncy balls are
often sold as dog toys and these pose a very real hazard for larger
dogs. The small balls can easily be swallowed and can lodge in the
throat resulting in death in a few minutes.
• Materials – dog toys and chews should
be made out of a durable material. Toys like Kong chew and Nylabone
chews are virtually indestructible provided they are purchased in
the correct size. Some of the cute squeaky toys sold for puppies are
very dangerous, as the puppy will chew on the “squeak”
and will swallow the item. They may also simply rip apart the toy
and try to eat the thin rubber pieces. These are both choking and
intestinal hazards and should be avoided or only used when the puppy
is closely supervised. Any signs of tears in the rubber should immediately
result in throwing the toy away.
• Stuffed toys – for most puppies, stuffed
toys should not be an option, as they will quickly tear the toy apart
and often eat the stuffing. Sometimes the chemicals that the stuffing
has been treated with can be potentially dangerous but the stuffing
itself can lodge in the throat or stomach of the puppy and cause blockages.
Stuffing usually will not show up on an X-ray so it makes surgery
and successful treatment of the blockage very difficult for the vet.
Some older dogs do well with “dog proof” stuffed toys
sold at pet stores. They like to carry around their favorite stuffed
toy and this is no problem provided they do not chew the fabric. Remember
that stuffed toys can carry bacteria or other germs and should be
washed frequently, especially if other dogs have played with the toy.
Providing a good variety of dog toys and chews for
your pet will help them exercise, entertain themselves when you are
away, as well as keep their attention off your furniture and shoes.
Toys and chews are very safe provided you choose wisely and avoid
chews and toys that are the incorrect size or made of the wrong material.
Balls, Frisbees, rings and hoops are all toys that most dogs love
to play with and will give the family and the dog hours of fun and
enjoyment.
