PET BEHAVIOR CONSULTING

Dogs by nature do not eat out of a bowl.  It is only the domestic dog that has come to use this type of feeding behavior.  Dogs who get bored have been known to develop lick granulomas (ulcerated area on a dog's wrist or ankle area caused by the dog's own incessant licking) or destroy things in their surroundings.  By feeding dogs like their wild cousins, we can keep them busy and moving around which may help prevent destructive behavior to their environment or themselves. 

Many food toys have been developed in the last 10+ years for domestic animals to prevent boredom.  Below is a list of dog food toys that you can use to help keep Fido busy while you’re away.  You may even choose to use a different one everyday to keep your dog stimulated, whether you’re at home or not, it’s fun for Fido and for you too!

- Video on new food developments: (http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5328031)

Many puzzle toys can be found in your local pet supply store, but here's a list of some sites where you also check them out.

-         Buster Cube (http://www.bustercube.com/)

-         Kong Toy (http://www.kongcompany.com/worlds_best.html)

-         Treat Stik (http://www.treatstik.com/)

-         Tricky Treats Ball (http://www.omegapaw.com/TrickyTreatBall.html)

-         Talk To Me Treat Ball (http://www.talktometreatball.com/)

-         Ever Lasting Fun Ball (http://www.aboutdogtraining.com/products.php)

-         Twist n Treat (http://www.busybuddytoys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=2)

-         Tug-A-Jug (http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/toys-tug-a-jug.htm)

Dracut, MA – Healthy Pets Food & Supplies, LLC (978) 458-7257

Andover, MA – Dawg City (978) 474-0655

Andover, MA - River Road Vet Hospital (978) 687-8400

PetSmart, PetCo & Target sell a few of the toys in this line.  Target sells some in a cool green color instead of the traditional purple.

                                                        Kibble Nibble                              Tug-a-Jug

Clients ask me all the time about anti-pulling devices.  As an animal behaviorist, of course I love the Gentle Leader by Premier, but I find them more useful for reactive dogs who need head control as part of their behavior modification plan.  When it's simply an anti-pulling device the client needs, my favorite is the Holt Control Harness by Coastal Pet Products.  I have recommended many different harnesses to clients and this one has always had the best feedback.

Does your dog lift his leg all over the house?  Try a belly band - it won't stop the motivation to mark, but it will make clean up a whole lot easier!

http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Belly_Bands_for_Dogs