We get frequent questions in our dog training classes about care and feeding of animals and about dog training. We will answer some of these questions on this page. If you have any questions that have not been addressed you can e-mail them to Gail and she will add the question and answer to this page if it is appropriate.

Chewing makes a dog feel better, they do it because they need to and it is their nature to chew. When they are puppies they are born without teeth and within 3 weeks they grow their first set of sharp little teeth. These teeth fall out and it can take up to 7 months before their 42 permanent teeth grow in. In this time of teething their gums are sore and itchy and they drool more than normal. This is also the time they have the need to chew!!

It is your job to keep your shoes and other valuables out of their sight since they will chew anything, including furniture, socks, snow boards etc. When you are out of sight, crate your puppy or confine it (use a baby gate it allows the dog to see the rest of the house, just being able to see the rest of the house keeps him/her from becoming anxious or frustrated).

Freeze a carrot and give it them to chew. Buy a knuckle bone in the meat department, give it to them raw, it will keep them busy for hours. Fill a "kong" with peanut butter and freeze it before you give it to them. Do not use chew hooves, they can sliver and fragment and be harmful to intestines. Rawhides can be dangerous if swallowed whole.

Dogs chew because they are a puppy or they are bored, lonely, fearful or anxious. Chewing becomes the displacement behavior. If you catch your dog chewing something you don't want him to, please don't hit him/her. Simply use a stern voice and tell them "no" and give them something that is OK to chew. Always give them something else to chew instead.

If your dog has an "accident" in the house use white vinegar to clean it up. White vinegar removes the smell of urine and will discourage the dog from going in the same spot again. White vinegar is safe to use on carpets and furniture. I use it in the final rinse when washing my dog's bedding since it is a natural deodorizer.