Chewing Canines

For many dogs, chewing can be a favorite past time.  If you're Cheri, the service dog in training that my husband and I are training, chewing falls right behind running, agility, and getting her chest scratched on her lists of favorites.

Cheri is, well, should I say, a dedicated chewer.  I'm sure that if left to her own devices when younger, her laundry baskets of 20 plus toys would have been decapitated, gutted, and hung out to dry in less than two minutes.  Fortunately for Cheri's health and our peace of mind (not to mention our pocketbook), raising this puppy has not been my first rodeo by any means. For many dog owners, however, this is not the case. Therefore, this week of blogging is dedicated to the owners of chewing canines.

First and foremost, it's important to have safe chew toys available for your dog.

Top Five Favorite Chew Toys
1.  Kong (original beehive shape)

2.  Nylabone

3.  Goughnuts (stick)

4.  C.E.T. Chews

5.  Hollow, sterilized shin bone

Top Five LEAST Favorite Chew Toys
1.  Rawhide
2.  Rope toys
3.  Soft toys (especially those with stuffing and/or squeakers)
4.  Socks
5.  Sticks

While no chew toy is perfect, it's important to find things that are safe for your dog.  Chew toys should be given under supervision and taken away when you cannot watch your dog (there are one or two exceptions).  The biggest thing to watch out for is pieces that your dog can ingest.  Also, you have to consider what kind of chewing habits you are teaching your dog-more to come on this!  Interested in details on my lists? Post a comment with questions.