Buy a leash that is only a few feet long. The closer your dog is when he walks with you, the more he’ll know that you’re the one who has the authority and is in control. Never let him walk behind you or ahead of you, but always right by your side. This lets him know you’re in authority and he must submit. [8] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Take your dog on a walk in an area that is challenging. Try anywhere that has hills or an incline. Allow him to take breaks once in awhile and bring along water for him to drink as needed. Your dog may get in the habit of using the same trail, so switch it up to challenge him and keep him from getting bored. Visit a beach that allows dogs. The sand is excellent exercise for the dog’s muscles, and the sea offers a fabulous opportunity for swimming and fetching all manner of items you can toss to your dog. If you don’t want to take a ball, use the beach flotsam to play fetch with your pooch. [9] X Research source Vary the parks you’re visiting to walk your dog. Find out which parks allow dogs and vary your schedule each week to visit different ones. This will be stimulating for both of you, as you see new sights and explore new places.
Play catch in the backyard for 15 minutes a day. Try doing this in the morning when you’re more alert and your dog is usually very hyper. You’ll notice that he’ll have less energy throughout the day if you drain him of it earlier on. Make a meet-up time for doggy friends. Find out which of your friends own dogs and plan meet-ups in central locations where your dogs can play together. Naturally, you’ll also need to learn in advance if they get along with each other. Buy a frisbee and help your dog become used to it. Once he is aware of what a Frisbee is for, let him join in the fun. [10] X Research source
If your dog is digging because she is bored, increase the play and exercise activities. Don’t leave her alone in the yard all day. If your dog is digging because she appears to making herself a nice, cool, soft place to sleep on, create a shaded area for her, with something comfortable and cool to lie on. [13] X Research source
You can also play games that will keep your dog mentally stimulated, such as hiding toys or treats around the house or in cardboard boxes.
Never give rawhide chews to an unsupervised dog, as the may choke. Don’t leave the chew toy laying out all the time. Take it away when not needed so the dog doesn’t become bored with it.
Kennels are great training tools for puppies and young dogs. You can train them to spend time in their little confined space. They cannot do any damage there. As long as you don’t leave them in there for too long, they’ll learn to love their crate. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Do not give toys that resemble inappropriate items; for example do not give your dog an old shoe to chew on because he will not know the difference between the old chew shoe and a brand new pair. [20] X Research source
Spray the deterrent on all objects that you don’t want your dog to chew. Reapply the deterrent every day for two to four weeks. Deterrents come in many flavors and can be purchased at your neighborhood pet store. Please realize, however, that successful treatment for destructive chewing will require more than just the use of deterrents. Dogs need to learn what they can chew as well as what they can’t chew. Please see our article, Using Taste Deterrents, for more information. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
