[pyrnet] Chewing

[Renilda Van Aerden <rvanaerd@ucalgary.ca>]

My pyr, Claude, is 14 mos. old.  When he was a puppy, he would chew
everything in sight.  Now, it's been months that he has chewed anything
but his nylabones, although he may sometimes pick up the corner of his
blanket to chew on.  The trick is to not leave the dog unsupervised for
any period of time.  Also, as soon as you see him starting to chew an
object that is not allowed, to distract him with a firm 'no', then to
give him a toy, like a nylabone, to chew on, and to praise him
enthusiastically for taking the toy.  This needs to be repeated over and
over and over again, until finally it will sink in with the dog that you
are always happy when he chews HIS toys, so maybe, he should stick to
those.

The main problem with pig ears, as well as with beef sticks, hooves and
chews, is that they may contain traces of salmonella.  Dogs are immune
to it, but there is a problem with us,  humans, touching them.  Also,
the feces of dogs may contain traces of salmonella.  This is a problem
if there are very young children in the family, or old people with frail
health, also a problem for people who are immunal compromised.  These
pig ears, beef sticks, hooves and chews are also a huge source for
bacteria.  The only product that is safe in the rawhide division are the
pressed rawhide bones.  This rawhide has gone through a process that
eliminates all bacteria.  However, I will only give a rawhide bone to
Claude when I can properly supervise him while he is chewing it.

Kongs are a wonderful invention.  They are virtually indistructible,
especially the black ones.

Just thought to add my 2 cents worth.

Reni