Post by minimocha (Jessie) on Apr 11, 2007 6:31:32 GMT
I found some links to training/tips of leaving your dog alone at home... quite useful!
[source]
www.dogtrainingbasics.com/HomeAloneProjects.htm
Different surfaces to chew, like hard Nylabones, soft Gumabones, Booda Bones (edible bones made of compressed cornstarch), etc. I try to leave several different choices. I DO NOT leave rawhide or rope bones in the crate unsupervised - or anything else that can be chewed up too quickly or torn apart.
My favorite thing to leave for lonely dogs are toys stuffed with goodies, like Kong or Tuffy toys (made by the Kong Company - choose an appropriate size) or a sturdy sterilized bone (which is the ONLY real bone I recommend). You stuff these items with something irresistible. Try peanut butter, "squeezy cheese" (the kind that comes in a can at your grocery store, DO NOT use hunks of cheese, the dog may choke on them), dog food, soft moist treats, goldfish crackers, bread, etc. For more "stuffing" recipes visit the Kong web site.
The most important considerations are: 1. The dog MORE than loves the treat you chose 2. It is a treat the dog does not get at any other time 3. Test a small portion first to make sure the treat does not cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Another alternative is to use a "Buster Cube". These toys, which resemble plastic dice, are available at your local pet supply store. You fill them with dried dog food and teach your dog to tumble the cube around to get the food out. Since the treat is not messy, these can also be used when your dog is old enough to be left alone uncrated. Remember, this food is part of your dog's daily intake, so feed less at mealtime. If you like, you can feed the whole meal from the cube.
Your dog will be less stressed or worried if you also confine him (just like you do when you leave) for random and variable times while you are at home. Then confinement doesn't become a signal of being left alone. Watch for more on crate training and proper use of crates in an upcoming article.
[source]
www.pitbull411.com/articles/homealone.html
Create unemotional leaving and return?
Don't make a production when you leave and come home. Spend time with your dog (playing to tire him out and taking him to the potty) before you leave in the morning. When you get home at night, try to wait 5 or 10 minutes before acknowledging him when you get home.
Create a haven
Don't let him have the run of the house especially if he's a puppy. A bored dog is a destructive dog and one that can harm himself by chewing or swallowing dangerous objects.
Have a favorite blanket, toy and comfortable bed in his crate or the room where you leave him during the day. He needs a comfortable place to nap during the day.
Create mental stimulation
I like to leave a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or other gooey treat. My dog happily spends the afternoon trying to get the treat. Another good toy is the Buster Cubes which can be filled with dry food.
Create pleasant sounds
Do you like to be a quiet house for hours on end? Leave the radio, TV or CD player on. Some owners tape their own voices and leave that playing all day. My dog loves classical music. Just make sure it's soothing music, no heavy metal bands, please.
[source]
www.dogtrainingbasics.com/HomeAloneProjects.htm
Different surfaces to chew, like hard Nylabones, soft Gumabones, Booda Bones (edible bones made of compressed cornstarch), etc. I try to leave several different choices. I DO NOT leave rawhide or rope bones in the crate unsupervised - or anything else that can be chewed up too quickly or torn apart.
My favorite thing to leave for lonely dogs are toys stuffed with goodies, like Kong or Tuffy toys (made by the Kong Company - choose an appropriate size) or a sturdy sterilized bone (which is the ONLY real bone I recommend). You stuff these items with something irresistible. Try peanut butter, "squeezy cheese" (the kind that comes in a can at your grocery store, DO NOT use hunks of cheese, the dog may choke on them), dog food, soft moist treats, goldfish crackers, bread, etc. For more "stuffing" recipes visit the Kong web site.
The most important considerations are: 1. The dog MORE than loves the treat you chose 2. It is a treat the dog does not get at any other time 3. Test a small portion first to make sure the treat does not cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Another alternative is to use a "Buster Cube". These toys, which resemble plastic dice, are available at your local pet supply store. You fill them with dried dog food and teach your dog to tumble the cube around to get the food out. Since the treat is not messy, these can also be used when your dog is old enough to be left alone uncrated. Remember, this food is part of your dog's daily intake, so feed less at mealtime. If you like, you can feed the whole meal from the cube.
Your dog will be less stressed or worried if you also confine him (just like you do when you leave) for random and variable times while you are at home. Then confinement doesn't become a signal of being left alone. Watch for more on crate training and proper use of crates in an upcoming article.
[source]
www.pitbull411.com/articles/homealone.html
Create unemotional leaving and return?
Don't make a production when you leave and come home. Spend time with your dog (playing to tire him out and taking him to the potty) before you leave in the morning. When you get home at night, try to wait 5 or 10 minutes before acknowledging him when you get home.
Create a haven
Don't let him have the run of the house especially if he's a puppy. A bored dog is a destructive dog and one that can harm himself by chewing or swallowing dangerous objects.
Have a favorite blanket, toy and comfortable bed in his crate or the room where you leave him during the day. He needs a comfortable place to nap during the day.
Create mental stimulation
I like to leave a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or other gooey treat. My dog happily spends the afternoon trying to get the treat. Another good toy is the Buster Cubes which can be filled with dry food.
Create pleasant sounds
Do you like to be a quiet house for hours on end? Leave the radio, TV or CD player on. Some owners tape their own voices and leave that playing all day. My dog loves classical music. Just make sure it's soothing music, no heavy metal bands, please.