Dog Question

Blueface · 10-17-2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargoyle

We have a couple greater swiss mountain dogs. The male loved to chew things and we tried some kind of rosemary spray that he actually loved to chew on. We had very good luck with Grannick's Bitter Apple spray. The only negative is it seems to only last a short time before you have to re-apply it.

Good luck!

Stuff works great.
Many, many years ago, used it for a yorkie that loved chewing up the dining table and chairs.
It worked.

Pulse · 10-17-2008, 07:02 AM

Training....training....training...early and consistently. Bitter Apple will work in some cases but randomly at best and isn't a silver bullet for chewing. Dogs chew my nature so given you have the advantage of getting a puppy, condition him/her at an early stage and be consistent in your training. Pick one or 2 chew toys that will be "thiers" to chew on. DO NOT make it a toy that is similar to a human piece of clothing etc. ( I.E. a shoe, etc...) Dogs cannot differentiate between their "shoe" and your shoe...to them, it's a chew toy. So go buy them a toy that they can use regularly to chew on that won't be confused with something else they shouldn't be chewing.

NOTHING and I mean NOTHING works better than consistency when it comes to training a dog. Dogs look to YOU to guide them so do it and do it consistently. Having a puppy is a great advantage as they will look to you to teach them the appropriate way to behave. Now that does't mean that a full grown dog can't be reconditioned, far from the truth. The old adage that an old dog can't learn new tricks is total BS...hehehe. Exercise the hell out of them, then proceed to train them (fetch, stay, sit, blah blah blah), then praise them after they do it right. (in that order)

I could go on and on and on and on about this as i've trained dozens upon dozens of dogs over the years this way so feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss this in more detail or have more questions and want my opinion.

Training a dog is a lot simpler than it's made out to be and never requires aggressive/negative behavior on your part to accomplish what you want...(yelling/hitting/etc.)

Now, this is just one opinion and many here have had huge success in their own methods which is great so take it for what it's worth. Just a random guy offering an opinion on a topic you asked about on an open forum...hehehe.

Smoke on!

smitdavi · 10-17-2008, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pulse

Training....training....training...early and consistently. Bitter Apple will work in some cases but randomly at best and isn't a silver bullet for chewing. Dogs chew my nature so given you have the advantage of getting a puppy, condition him/her at an early stage and be consistent in your training. Pick one or 2 chew toys that will be "thiers" to chew on. DO NOT make it a toy that is similar to a human piece of clothing etc. ( I.E. a shoe, etc...) Dogs cannot differentiate between their "shoe" and your shoe...to them, it's a chew toy. So go buy them a toy that they can use regularly to chew on that won't be confused with something else they shouldn't be chewing.

NOTHING and I mean NOTHING works better than consistency when it comes to training a dog. Dogs look to YOU to guide them so do it and do it consistently. Having a puppy is a great advantage as they will look to you to teach them the appropriate way to behave. Now that does't mean that a full grown dog can't be reconditioned, far from the truth. The old adage that an old dog can't learn new tricks is total BS...hehehe. Exercise the hell out of them, then proceed to train them (fetch, stay, sit, blah blah blah), then praise them after they do it right. (in that order)

I could go on and on and on and on about this as i've trained dozens upon dozens of dogs over the years this way so feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss this in more detail or have more questions and want my opinion.

Training a dog is a lot simpler than it's made out to be and never requires aggressive/negative behavior on your part to accomplish what you want...(yelling/hitting/etc.)

Now, this is just one opinion and many here have had huge success in their own methods which is great so take it for what it's worth. Just a random guy offering an opinion on a topic you asked about on an open forum...hehehe.

Smoke on!

Wow...thanks for the response. Some good insight there. We find out today from the landlord if they will allow it or not. So keeping fingers crossed, I might pm you later today

King James · 10-17-2008, 08:01 AM

I second (well maybe 4th by now) using bitter apple. Although, I've never had to use it. Usually having a chew tow and watching closely to correct them (like Pulse said) if they start chewing works.

kgoings · 10-17-2008, 08:04 AM

Training Training Training, and get the dog a KONG!

mikeyj23 · 10-17-2008, 08:07 AM

I disagree with the yelling, pulling the ear, etc. It doesn't take much to discourage chewing. Find your dog a chew toy that it simply can't ignore (KONG). Use some bitter apple spray to spray down power cords or other favorite chewed items, and then when you catch puppy chewing, give them a firm "NO" and provide them with their chew toy. Chewing is necessary for puppies and shouldn't be discouraged, just redirected.

tenbaseg · 10-17-2008, 08:20 AM

My black lab pup loved the nylabones (sp). The puppy ones they can really go after and they are safe to digest (in moderation).

I think supervision and distraction are the keys.

UK Bro · 10-17-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgoings

Training Training Training, and get the dog a KONG!

Plenty of time and LOADS of patience !

smitdavi · 10-17-2008, 03:36 PM

We have an appointment tomorrow morning to look at a Choc Lab puppy. We will probably come home with him if everything goes ok.

Genetic Defect · 10-17-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Stuff works great.
Many, many years ago, used it for a yorkie that loved chewing up the dining table and chairs.
It worked.

maybe you should spray Bill's ankles with bitter apple.

chibnkr · 10-17-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Stuff works great.
Many, many years ago, used it for a yorkie that loved chewing up the dining table and chairs.
It worked.

Yeah, that's what my wife told me...bitter apple. FWIW, she is a veterinarian so she knows her stuff, LOL.

Genetic Defect · 10-17-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chibnkr

Yeah, that's what my wife told me...bitter apple. FWIW, she is a veterinarian so she knows her stuff, LOL.

she did marry you

RGD. · 10-18-2008, 02:22 AM

Another thumbs up on the Bitter Apple - but the way I found best to use it is this:

Take a rag and soak it with the Bitter Apple. Let the puppy smell it - and then pretty much just put it in his/her mouth. This way they will know that the smell goes with the taste - and will avoid it.

But as noted above - some dogs actually like it. My neighbors have a new Boston Terrier pup that goes around licking it off the furniture. Go figure.

Bitter Apple is safe for most all furniture finishes and fabrics with the exception of lacquer I have found. As with most liquids, lacquer tends to cloud slightly if you put enough on.

Best bet is the above and plenty of chew toys, bones and training crate as chewing is vital.

Ron

smitdavi · 10-18-2008, 06:21 AM

Picked up a few things last night: Leash, collar, food bowls...and got the crate from my parents. Will pick up some more stuff as we go along! Were leaving within the hour. Don't think were gonna bring him home tomorrow. Katie will be out of town all afternoon and evening and I'm having some friends over tonight. We'll probably pick it up and bring him home on Sunday when he can spend the entire day with US and not be in shock with all the people over and in the house.....but were REALLY excited

10-17-2008, 07:02 AM	#2
Pulse Just in from the Storm Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA Posts: 11 Trading: (0)	Re: Dog Question Training....training....training...early and consistently. Bitter Apple will work in some cases but randomly at best and isn't a silver bullet for chewing. Dogs chew my nature so given you have the advantage of getting a puppy, condition him/her at an early stage and be consistent in your training. Pick one or 2 chew toys that will be "thiers" to chew on. DO NOT make it a toy that is similar to a human piece of clothing etc. ( I.E. a shoe, etc...) Dogs cannot differentiate between their "shoe" and your shoe...to them, it's a chew toy. So go buy them a toy that they can use regularly to chew on that won't be confused with something else they shouldn't be chewing. NOTHING and I mean NOTHING works better than consistency when it comes to training a dog. Dogs look to YOU to guide them so do it and do it consistently. Having a puppy is a great advantage as they will look to you to teach them the appropriate way to behave. Now that does't mean that a full grown dog can't be reconditioned, far from the truth. The old adage that an old dog can't learn new tricks is total BS...hehehe. Exercise the hell out of them, then proceed to train them (fetch, stay, sit, blah blah blah), then praise them after they do it right. (in that order) I could go on and on and on and on about this as i've trained dozens upon dozens of dogs over the years this way so feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss this in more detail or have more questions and want my opinion. Training a dog is a lot simpler than it's made out to be and never requires aggressive/negative behavior on your part to accomplish what you want...(yelling/hitting/etc.) Now, this is just one opinion and many here have had huge success in their own methods which is great so take it for what it's worth. Just a random guy offering an opinion on a topic you asked about on an open forum...hehehe. Smoke on!

10-17-2008, 08:01 AM	#4
King James Regard Me! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jim Location: Dark Side Of The Moon Posts: 2,565 Trading: (2)	Re: Dog Question I second (well maybe 4th by now) using bitter apple. Although, I've never had to use it. Usually having a chew tow and watching closely to correct them (like Pulse said) if they start chewing works. __________________ Mob Herfin' Since 2006

10-17-2008, 08:04 AM	#5
kgoings Cigarologist Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kirk Location: Highlands Ranch, Co Posts: 1,979 Trading: (42)	Re: Dog Question Training Training Training, and get the dog a KONG! __________________ Your silly little opinion has been noted!

10-17-2008, 08:07 AM	#6
mikeyj23 Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Michael Location: Texas Posts: 635 Trading: (10)	Re: Dog Question I disagree with the yelling, pulling the ear, etc. It doesn't take much to discourage chewing. Find your dog a chew toy that it simply can't ignore (KONG). Use some bitter apple spray to spray down power cords or other favorite chewed items, and then when you catch puppy chewing, give them a firm "NO" and provide them with their chew toy. Chewing is necessary for puppies and shouldn't be discouraged, just redirected.

10-17-2008, 08:20 AM	#7
tenbaseg Saying no to daily deals! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Garrett Location: Masshole Nation Posts: 1,094 Trading: (40)	Re: Dog Question My black lab pup loved the nylabones (sp). The puppy ones they can really go after and they are safe to digest (in moderation). I think supervision and distraction are the keys.

10-17-2008, 03:36 PM	#9
smitdavi Ambassador of Quan Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: Bloomington, IN Posts: 1,434 Trading: (9)	Re: Dog Question We have an appointment tomorrow morning to look at a Choc Lab puppy. We will probably come home with him if everything goes ok.

10-18-2008, 02:22 AM	#13
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: Dog Question Another thumbs up on the Bitter Apple - but the way I found best to use it is this: Take a rag and soak it with the Bitter Apple. Let the puppy smell it - and then pretty much just put it in his/her mouth. This way they will know that the smell goes with the taste - and will avoid it. But as noted above - some dogs actually like it. My neighbors have a new Boston Terrier pup that goes around licking it off the furniture. Go figure. Bitter Apple is safe for most all furniture finishes and fabrics with the exception of lacquer I have found. As with most liquids, lacquer tends to cloud slightly if you put enough on. Best bet is the above and plenty of chew toys, bones and training crate as chewing is vital. Ron

10-18-2008, 06:21 AM	#14
smitdavi Ambassador of Quan Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: Bloomington, IN Posts: 1,434 Trading: (9)	Re: Dog Question Picked up a few things last night: Leash, collar, food bowls...and got the crate from my parents. Will pick up some more stuff as we go along! Were leaving within the hour. Don't think were gonna bring him home tomorrow. Katie will be out of town all afternoon and evening and I'm having some friends over tonight. We'll probably pick it up and bring him home on Sunday when he can spend the entire day with US and not be in shock with all the people over and in the house.....but were REALLY excited