Re: [PyrNet-L] Toys?

["Tracy Bassett" <espinay@dynamite.com.au>]

Merrilie wrote:
<<After reading about the separation anxiety, I certainly think that is what
is happening to Sam!  I work days, my husband works evenings, so there is
about a 2 -4 hr time span where no one is home.  Let the chewing marathon
begin!  I am now coming up short on entertainment toys... and am asking for
suggestions.  So far I have given him rawhide, a rope in tons of knots (he
loves it) balls, plastic (butter) dishes (which he loves to carry
around).... I like the buster ball idea and will check into it, but what
else can I use to entertain him with in the meantime?  What else do Pyrs
like to play with?  ANY suggestions are welcome!>>



Make sure when you go to leave that you leave quitely without fuss (not big
pats and  'aw, im sorry, I'll be back soon!' - very tempting to do I know!
:-) ).  Come home the same way - very casually and no big 'hi, I missed you
sooo much!!!' - even if you did (and don't we all?).  This can help with
'anxiety' problems.

Are you sure he is not just having 'puppy fun'?  Chewing and getting up to
mischief can be quite normal for a pup! (how old is he? is he teething?) -
It becomes anxiety more so when the dog displays stress behaviours such as
'panicking', scratching madly at doors and walls, chewing holes in walls
etc, incessant barking/crying (different from normal 'pyr' barking), trouble
with bladder/bowel control (not always stress related, but can be - Kane's
reaction to being left in the crate may be a good example of this) and other
behaviours of this nature.

You may try leaving a radio on.  This can be comforting, and can block out
some of the outside noises too.

A good idea is not to leave out the same toys every time - alternate them so
there is some variation and more interest. And don't leave the toys out all
the time either.  Generally if you have the toys just hanging around all the
time they can become boring and of little interest.  If a certain toy only
comes out occasionally, it becomes more 'oh boy, what is this here!' rather
than just 'part of the scenery'  Put them away out of sight for most of the
time and before you leave, leave out one or two for the pup to play with (or
try the treats and toys in the paper bag trick).

A toy my youngest (8 months) is really 'in to' at the moment?  Cardboard egg
cartons!  She loves shredding them and the 'nobby bits' are a source of
great amusement!  I have a mess to clean up afterwards, but it is a great
cheap entertainment for her!!

Hope this helps.


Tracy Bassett
Canberra, Australia
espinay@dynamite.com.au
http://members.dynamite.com.au/espinay/index.htm