Posts Tagged ‘rawhide chews’
Treat Your Dog to Some Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the single most popular method for teaching dogs to obey human commands. Harsh punishment and intimidation are more than inhumane – they create a suspicious, fear-based relationship between owner and pet. On the other hand, rewarding a dog with a treat or a scratch on the back provides incentive for him to repeat that behavior in the future.
Bear in mind that most dogs are food-driven, and they will do whatever it takes to chomp on some dog treats. Once you’ve found the type of treat – whether it’s rawhide bones or a chewable bite – that appeals to your dog, use it as the go-to reward. Since dogs don’t have the same ability to associate actions with consequences well after the fact, you should reward good behavior immediately.
More Dogs Choose Rawhide
It’s normal for untrained dogs – especially puppies – to chew virtually any item they can reach with their gnashing teeth. This behavior should be controlled and channeled early on so that a dog doesn’t destroy valuable family antiques or expensive stereo equipment. That way, dogs learn some manners for the future and humans save a little dough (not the chewable kind).
The duration and intensity of a dog’s chewing habit depends partially on its specific breed. Black labs, for instance, enjoy chomping on tennis balls well into their adult years. The best way to deter destructive chewing is by providing dogs with safe chew-fodder. Rawhide chews or bones should keep a dog’s attention away from the socks and slippers.