Puppies need exercise and lots of attention. Otherwise, they may start to entertain themselves by doing things that will annoy you. Play with the puppy and interact by giving praise or a scratch between the ears, or take him for a short ride down the road.
Bored puppies can pick up some really bad habits. Some of these are really hard to break. Start showing correct behavior when you see the puppy doing the wrong one. Give a treat and praise him when he performs the right behavior.
The Licking Puppy
Excessive licking may mean a problem for the vet, or the puppy could just be bored. A bath may help to calm and soothe the puppy. But don’t forget to praise the puppy for staying still in the bath!
The Whining Puppy
Whining is hard to deal with at times. If they have been put to bed, you can place the crate in your room so they know you are near. But remember, each time you go in to check on them, when they whine, you are reinforcing the behavior.
Whining can mean several different things…some good and some bad. For example, a dog who is housetrained may be whining because they need to go outside. A sudden yelping whine may mean he is in pain and a trip to the vet is needed.
Some dogs whine when you are eating because they want your food. Some whine to be let in the house. The most important thing is not to give in. Teach them by praising during the quiet times because then they learn when they are quiet, they will get praise and attention.
The Chewing Puppy
These puppies will chew everything in sight from shoes, books, or papers. He may be teething, and like his human counterpart, his gums are sore or itching. Sometimes he is just trying to entertain himself. Make sure he has toys that he can chew on and praise him for chewing the right ones. Say NO in a low voice so he will know you disapprove of his actions, when he chews on inappropriate items. If he is over six months old, you may need to see a vet concerning any dental problems.
Appropriate Chew Items for Bored Puppy
One good idea is to freeze a wet washcloth and let him chew on it. The cold will feel good and he will bite the cloth for a while. You can even give him some ice cubes to munch on. This will also help soothe the gums as well, in case the puppy is teething.
Nylon bones can be quite effective for the puppy’s chewing problem. You must use them from the outset though, otherwise they get used to other bones such as ham bones and won’t use the nylon. These types of bones look like a cord of rope and help the teeth stay clean.
If you find them munching down on items they aren’t supposed to be, you need to move them to another area, and bring one of his chew toys to him. If he starts to chew on it, give praise and a treat. He will learn what makes you happy and what doesn’t.
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