I use to give the dog a toy when I leave and I take it away in the evening.
His favourite toy is now a cloth, initially intended to mark its spot in the house. Yesterday I forgot about the cloth and I went to sleep. Maybe after an hour or so, I discovered my dog stuck chewing the cloth, with a frustrated look. I felt so pity for the poor dog that did not do anything else all this time. He just stayed there over his cloth a little bit more, and more, waiting for the terrible moment to come, when he would lose his toy.
What do you think, is it normal for a dog to keep on chewing an item for so long? Am I wrong to take it away, am I just frustrating the dog for no reason? Or is it good to take any toy away from time to time, no matter how much the dog loves it?
Micheala, I would be most concerned with the possibility of him ingesting a part of the cloth you mentioned. My own dogs do not have free access to toys for the same reason, other than Kongs ocassionally. It just isn't worth the risk for me.
I wouldn't leave the Kong with the dog, unattended my dog destroyed a Kong (this type had the square corners, hes never been able to bite apart the rounded Kong) trying to get the goodies inside. He didn't eat the peices but he could have all I need is a big vet bill, back then.
Stop thinking a hurting the dogs feeling, you are the Alpha the toys are yours, you let him play with your toys sometimes. Thats just the way it is and it helps stop unwanted medical problem, like a block intestine!!
I wouldn't leave a cloth with the dog, as the risk of intestinal blockage, should he ingest it, is not a risk that I would want to take. Your dog could end up very sick and have to have emergency surgery if that were to happen.
If you want to leave your dog with something, the only thing I would recommend would be a stuffed Kong toy. I use the King Kong, which is the largest one made of black rubber. My Lab is a very strong chewer, and will destroy any toy in a matter of minutes, but he has never been able to even make a dent in the King Kong.
When you get home, just trade him a goody for the Kong, or distract him by taking him out to pee, then pick up the Kong, so you can refill it and stick it in the freezer for the next day.
Here's a link with some ideas on how you can use the Kong:
Oops. I never thought this particular dog could swallow parts of the cloth. I am not going to push the luck. I'll give him something really safe to chew all day long.
Thanks a lot everybody.
Well, I think it's a pretty common concern for Labs, or retrievers in general, but I wouldn't rule it out for any dog left unsupervised with any object that can be dissected.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
