Pet Bucket Blog

People often bemoan the complicated language barrier that exists between men and women. In this case, at least men and women speak the same language or can translate between intelligible languages. What about dog owners? How are they to know what their dog is thinking when it walks through a room or starts barking at the mail man?   On a daily basis, your dog will wag its tail in a variety of directions. You might think this is a meaningless movement from your dog akin to you swaying your arms while walking, but in reality it is a means of communication. The direction and intensity of a tail wag offers insight into what your dog is thinking and feeling in that moment.   Wagging to smile The tail wag of a dog is often associated with smiles in people. Dogs will use their tails in much the same way humans use facial expressions to convey happiness, sadness, or anxiousness. However, not all tail wags are happy smiles, just as no two human smiles necessarily indicate happiness. While you might smile awkwardly when someone tells a bad joke, a dog is also capable of conveying different messages with its tail.   Left and right A recent study of dog behavior suggests that the direction of your dog's tail wag tells a lot about its current mood. The team of scientists involved in the study at Italy's University of Trento found that a tail wag that favors the right conveys a different message than one that favors the left.   When your dog is wagging its tail predominantly to the right it indicates that your dog is calm and happy. Conversely, a tail wag that predominantly swings to the left indicates that your dog is anxious and potentially upset.   Up, down, or in the middle Most dog owners have probably noticed that their dog's tail will sometimes be wagging high in the air, or low behind its hind quarters. The height of your dog's tail when it is wagging conveys a message too. A high tail position and slow side-to-side motion indicates a confident, happy smile from your dog.   When your dog's tail is wagging quickly from side-to-side and is low behind its body, this indicates a sense of uneasiness. Your dog isn't necessarily upset or stressed, but it is definitely unsure of its surroundings and what is going on at that particular moment. Then there is the mid-level, fast wag.   It is inevitable as a dog owner to see your pet's tail wagging so fast and wide that it seems to be tapping each side of the body with every swipe. This is similar to a child with a high sense of anticipation. Your dog is excited. It may not know why, but it is definitely excited by something or someone in the room.   Speed While most owners would associate a fast tail wag with happiness, that is not always the case. Speed can be tricky when it comes to determining the emotion and message behind a tail wag. Generally speaking, a fast tail wag is a sign of happiness. However, as explained above, a fast tail wag when the dog's tail is low is a sign of nervousness and anxiety. Similarly, a slow wag doesn't mean your dog is unhappy.   Some dogs with larger tails will wag their tails with slow, sweeping movements in a high position when they are happy. Just because it is moving slowly doesn't mean your dog is unhappy.   There are a lot of messages coming from your dog's tail. If you pay enough attention and keep the factors mentioned above in mind, you'll be able to determine the mood of your pet with less confusion. Feature image credit

We all like to think that our cat's are true individuals, with a personality all of their own. While this is mostly true, could it be possible that your cat's personality is affected by the colour of their coat? From one point of view it is quite logical since the genetics that control biochemical substances like dopamine (an influencer of behaviour) also moulds the colour and pattern of your feline's fur, therefore creating certain behaviours amongst various breeds of cats. On the other hand, we humans are very fond of stereotypes and quite often cling on to evidence that helps perpetuate those stereotypes further! There have been numerous studies performed on this very subject, and mostly bring back inconclusive evidence. So why do we still debate it? The truth is, would-be cat adopters are often initially drawn to the colour of a cat's coat, not only because of how aesthetically pleasing it may be but because they feel it might give them a clue as to what sort of cat they might be taking home. This is maybe why some types are snapped up from shelters quickly (ginger) while others (black and brown) are sadly less likely to be adopted and end up being euthanised. If you or someone you know is thinking of adopting a cat, encourage them to spend time with all the cats that are available and choose the cat that has the most agreeable temperament and wonderful personality, not the prettiest coat. Now the real test! Does your cat match these (sometimes conflicting) personality traits? Black   Image credit Loyal Suspicious Good-natured Stubborn Friendly Sociable Aloof White   Image credit Calm Peaceful Friendly Timid Aloof Shy Lazy Black & White   Image credit Placid Even-tempered Friendly Blue/Grey   Image credit Gentle Quiet Affectionate Calm Peaceful Ginger   Image credit Polite Shifty Unpredictable Laid back Fiery temper Friendly Tortoiseshell   Image credit Maternal Quick-witted Naughty Temperamental Aloof Intolerant Tabby    Image credit Good-natured Home bodies Friendly

If you are expecting a baby, congratulations! The next nine months are going to be full of discovery and lots of preparation. In between stocking up on diapers and decorating the baby's nursery - remember to turn your attention to your first baby, your fur-baby, because just like you, the addition of a baby into their life is a massive change. The thought of introducing a newborn to a dog, can induce anxiety in any expecting parent (not to mention family and friends), but it doesn't have to be a terrifying experience. So don't despair - you won't have to relegate your dog to the backyard for all of eternity, nor do you have to give them up for adoption (like some people unfortunately do) - with lots of careful planning and plenty of dedication, your dog and new baby could be set to become the best of pals. Before baby is born: Don't be surprised if you notice that your dog has already picked up on the fact that you're expecting. Dogs are incredibly intuitive and will be able to sense that change is occurring. However, just because they have sensed something, doesn't mean they know how to behave. The sooner you start training and teaching your dog how to learn to live with a new baby, the better. Make a designated space in your home, just for your dog, such as the laundry or a crate. Make sure it's stocked with everything they need and enjoy: food, water, toys and a blanket. This will now be their special place where they can escape to when they need to calm down or need a break from baby. At the same time, get your pal used to not have full access to all parts of your home. Create a dog-free zone and separate it by using gates - the sooner you do this the sooner they will get used to not being able to go into those rooms. Make sure your dog's obedience is up to scratch by teaching them to sit, and particularly, not to jump up on you, the furniture and anyone who will be holding the baby. Set up furniture for the baby as early as you can so your dog becomes used to it and accepts it as part of the home. If possible, borrow a friends baby to take out walking in a stroller with your dog, so they get used to the routine. Consider what your new routine might be like once baby is born. Will you still be taking your dog for its daily walk, do you plan to take afternoon naps, will your dog be fed at different or at random times? Slowly start transitioning into your new routine so your dog doesn't get a rude shock once baby is home. If you will no longer be walking your dog, start getting the new walker to take your dog out a couple of times a week so they become used to their new walking companion. Invest in a baby noises CD that you can start playing to help get your dog used the sound of babies crying. Start carrying around a pretend bundle that mimics a real baby all wrapped up in blankets. Carry it around, put it in the crib, rest it on your knee. It's another useful way to get your dog almost bored of all of these new changes so by the time your real baby comes home they won't be particularly fazed. Teach your dog that some toys are not to be touched. This is where obedience training comes in handy. Teach them to give up toys on command by using 'leave it.' Remember to never chase your dog when they have a baby toy in possession because that will signal a game to them. Always reward with treats when they do as commanded. A big no-no is lavishing your dog with lots and lots of extra attention before the baby arrives - while intentions are good it will only upset your dog further when the baby does come home. A better approach is to remember to schedule in lots of play time and cuddle sessions. Before you bring baby home: At this point, pretty much all of your preparation should be done and your dog is calm and content with all the changes that have taken place. Once the baby is born, but before it comes home, arrange for your partner, family member or friend to take an item of clothing that has been worn by the baby and bring it to your dog. Allow your dog to sniff it, but only at a distance whilst the item is being held. They become used to the baby's scent and also learn that it (the baby) does not belong to them and that they will have to follow your rules around it. After baby has come home: It's so exciting and scary bringing a new baby home for the first time. It's also the first time your dog will be meeting your little bundle of joy - so this first experience needs to count. The basic aim of all of this is positive association (and lifelong friendship!) Before introducing baby and pooch, take your dog for a long walk - it will use up some of their energy. Before coming back into your home make sure your dog is completely calm. Also make sure everyone else present is calm as dogs easily pick up on any uneasy feelings. Whoever is holding the dog should have them on a short lead as you enter the room that the baby is in. Whoever is holding the baby should be calmly sat down with the baby on their knee and some dog treats close by. Upon entering the room, your dog will instantly pick up on the new scent and if you've done your preparation, will recognise it. Allow the dog to calmly approach and sniff near the baby - generally not too close the first time round. Once they are satisfied they'll walk away. If your pooch gets a little too close for comfort it's ok to use your hands to keep your dog's nose away. Remember to give lots of praise and treats. At each subsequent encounter, allow your dog to come a little bit closer until they are completely used to and unfazed by your baby. What happens next? If you've done all of this preparation then chances are your two babies will grow very fond of each other. As your baby grows you will have to teach them to respect your dog and not to bother them by yanking their tail or pulling their ears. The toddler years will be quite challenging so it may also be worth your while teaching your dog to get used to being handled by a baby, because it's inevitable that once your child reaches their discovery age they'll want to discover your dog like they never have before! And never, NEVER leave your dog and child unsupervised. Feature image credit  

Our canine companions depend on us for much of their entertainment. Even when you're not around, there are several ways to keep your dog entertained. Whether you're at work or runnning errands, here are some ideas to keep your dog happy and your house intact: 1. Designate a doggy den Pick an area of your home where you think your dog will feel safe and comfortable while you're away. This is the perfect place to keep their toys, crate, treats, and self-filling water bowl. Your dog will spend most of their alone time sleeping, so it's important to provide your dog with a comfy bed! 2. Toys! Food Dispensing Toys: Keep your dog’s belly full with toys that reward them with a treat after completing the task of getting it out. Many of these toys, including the KONG brand, come with different levels of difficulty for dogs with varyin  levels of intelligence. Alternatively, freezing your dog’s wet food and kibble inside of a toy for use the next day is another great way to keep them occupied for long periods of time.   image credit    Indestructible Chew Toys: Toys such as bones may become choking hazards to dogs when broken apart after excessive chewing, but indestructible toys like rope knots are a safer alternative. In addition to keeping your dog happy, all the chewing will help your dog’s oral hygiene.   image credit    Puzzle Toys: Dogs that are alone for extended periods of the day need to be stimulated to keep them sharp. These types of toys give your dog the opportunity to problem solve and use different parts of their brains.   image credit 3. Hire a dog walker   image credit   If affordable, hiring a dog walker may be exactly what your dog needs. Dog walkers can take your dog on a range of walks, from a quick lap around the block to a full hour long hike. Your dog walker should be trustworthy, reliable, and someone that both you and your dog get along with.  4. TV & Music Leaving the TV on can be a great way to keep your dog engaged. DogTV, a new television channel created specifically for your dog, shows 3-6 minute segments of everyday dog activities ranging from riding in a car to belly rubs. If you don't have DirectTV, there's always Animal Planet!   Research has shown that classical music has calming qualities for our furbabies. Consider creating a playlist with Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart and leaving it on for your dog when you leave the house.  image credit 5. Dog playdates   image credit A great way to socialize your dog and keep them entertained is with a friend. Ask your friends and neighbors who have dogs if they would be willing to take your dog in for a few hours during the day, so they can have fun with another dog under supervision. 6. Doggy daycare   image credit Although a more expensive option, daycare is great for people who are not comfortable leaving their dogs home alone all day. There are many different types of daycare inclduing half-day and full-day options, and the prices vary depending on the provider. To learn more check out our article here. Feature image credit  

There are a lot of details about your cat's health that you probably notice on a daily basis. If your kitty suddenly has trouble using the litter box, for instance, or starts to develop an obvious eye infection, you are likely to head to the vet pretty quickly. Unfortunately, many cat owners don't spend enough time thinking about their pet's teeth. Dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay can pose a major threat to your feline friend. Initial symptoms might seem minor, such as bad breath, lethargy, or decreased appetite. If left untreated however, dental issues could increase your kitty's risk for serious complications such as sinus infections, autoimmune disease, heart failure, and cancer.   Rather than exposing your furry pal to these dangerous risks, it's a good idea for all owners to learn how to brush their cat's teeth. Expert opinions vary, but some vets recommend that you give your cat a little dental attention as often as once a week or even every day. Most cat owners who have never tried brushing their kitty's teeth before avoid the practice out of fear of hurting their pet or getting hurt themselves. As long as you ease your cat into the process, you're likely to find that it's probably not as difficult as you might think.   The first step when it comes to getting your kitty comfortable with the idea of brushing is to get the cat used to you putting your fingers in its mouth. Begin by dipping your finger into a treat that your cat loves (tuna juice or chicken broth are great options), and then have kitty lick the liquid off your finger. Once you've repeated this process several times, try moving on to rubbing your cat's teeth with a piece of broth-soaked gauze.   Getting kitties used to the pressure and texture of a toothbrush is often one of the most difficult steps, so you should try getting your cat to like the brush by putting treats on top of it and letting your kitty lick them off. Next, replace the treats with some cat toothpaste (these products have a meaty flavor that will appeal to your cat). Once you have accomplished all these steps and your cat is less afraid of all the elements of brushing, it's time to put everything together and actually clean the teeth.   You should err on the side of being too gentle at first until you know how your furry friend is going to react to brushing. Simply scrub the front and back of each tooth, much like you do as part of your own daily routine. Remember that the cat's back teeth are the ones that are likely to need the most attention, so you should start with them. Praise your cat throughout the entire process, and be ready at the end to reward your pet with a tasty treat.   Like many other cat care procedures, it will probably take a while before your pet gets used to having its teeth brushed. As long as you are patient and don't give up, you can eventually train your cat to behave well during this process-and maybe even enjoy it. Feature image credit

An aggressive dog can be frightening - not just to other dogs, but to people as well. There’s also a risk that the dog will seriously injure themselves or others if a fight occurs. Ultimately, we are responsible for our dog’s behaviour so it’s vital that any aggressive behaviour is stopped.   There are many reasons why dog's display aggression. Usually it arises from a perception that their territory or ‘pack’ (including their human family and offspring) is under threat. Also, agression may arise if your dog feels scared, if they are exhibiting instinctual predatory behaviour or feels possessive of a toy, object or food.   Both male and female dogs can be violent. Dogs that are not desexed or neutered tend to be more competitive and therefore inclined to fight.   Socialisation You’ve probably heard or read it hundreds of times but we’ll say it again - socialising your dog is so important. It is the best way to ensure they lead happy, relaxed lives and mix well with children, adults and other dogs. Often aggression is the result of poor socialisation and insecurity when placed in new situations or with unfamilar people and dogs.     You should begin socialisation early, ideally once your puppy is three weeks of age. Puppies need to spend time with well-socialised, calm dogs in order to learn communication skills, confidence, positive behaviours and how to play appropriately. Obedience classes and doggy day care are fantastic opportunities for your puppy to meet and socialise with others.   Friend or foe When dogs play, they will often wrestle, nip, growl and bark at one another. If it is genuine play and not something more dangerous, the dogs will continually go back to one another and will appear relaxed, happy and with tails wagging.    Identify aggressive behaviour You need to be able to recognise signs of aggression so that you can act before your dog has the chance to attack a person or another dog. Typical body language that displays fear and hostility includes:   Dog freezes and becomes stiff Dog adopts a dominant posture, often with their weight on their front legs so as to appear larger and be ready to lunge Looking directly at the other dogs eyes Ears up and forward A low-sounding bark Growling, showing teeth and snarling Lunging forward or charging Snapping   Stopping aggressive behaviour If you notice your dog exhibiting signs of aggression you should immediately discourage them with a quick tug on their lead and use a firm but calm voice command. By commanding them to sit and stay indicates that there is no danger and encourages them to relax. You should also remain calm as dogs sense your stress and nervousness.   If your dog is excitable or charges at dogs or people when on walks, keep their lead short so that you can keep them close and have control.   Remember, dogs respond best to positive reinforcement so reward and praise your dog when they behave correctly.   When fighting occurs If your dog is involved in a fight, never grab the dogs by the collar or reach in near their mouths to pull them apart. They may redirect their aggression towards you as a reflex action when in their heightened state of fear, threat or hostility.    Instead, try to attract their attention or interrupt the fight with a loud noise such as a whistle, clap or air horn. Use a hose or bucket to throw water on the dogs or spray a deterrent such as citronella at their snouts.   If these techniques do not work, you and the other owner should simultaneously separate the dogs by holding the dog’s back legs under the hips and lifting their legs off the ground. Move backwards and when at a safe distance, manoeuvre the dogs so that they are no longer facing each other.   Need help? If nothing you do seems to be working then seek help from a professional trainer or dog behaviourist. Also, consult your vet as aggression and irritability could be caused by an underlying health condition or a side-effect from medication that is influencing your dog’s mood, comfort or lucidity.   Image credit Feature image credit

In our modern world, many cats live indoors for their entire lives, and while our feline friends are more than happy about this cozy existence from time to time it can cause issues. Like with any animal kept in captivity, boredom can easily stem from the repetitive nature of their environment and daily routine.   Boredom can be expressed in many ways. Some cats seem to sleep excessively whilst others will resort to ‘creating their own fun’ by engaging in destructive behaviour like chewing up your things and scratching your carpet to pieces.   Image credit  If you are concerned your cat is finding his or her life rather dull, there are a few simple things you can do to make their lives more interesting and enriching. 1. Create an Amazing View Windows are like televisions to cats, with activity, bird life and the daily hubbub of life going on outside to peer out at. Check to see if your cat can easily access a viewing point and if that is not the case, try adding a cat pole near a good vantage point or even a ‘cat window box’ which are shelves that attach to regular household windows which allow your cat a fantastic semi-outdoor experience.   Image credit    If your cat can already perch on a window ledge and watch passers by, possibly consider the addition of a bird feeder nearby so your cat can be fascinated by wild birds fluttering around snacking on seed.   A fish tank can also be a fabulous object of interest – though make sure your cat has no way of ever actually getting at the fish! 2. Wonderful Toys   Image credit Many stimulating toys exist on the market that tap into a cat’s natural instincts as predators and keep them alert and active. Traditional toys like little mice and wands with dangling things attached are great but there are also newer products that have been created that interact with cats even when their owners aren’t at home. Companies like Frolicat produce mechanised toys which operate even when you are out or occupied and unable to play. Rotating the toys you have on offer is also a good idea to keep things fresh and exciting for your feline. 3. Cat Furniture   Image credit  Cats don’t just love to play. Toys usually awaken your cat’s inner drive to hunt and stalk but cats are also motivated to do things like jump, climb, scratch and hide. Providing cat poles to scale and paw, tunnels to sneak through and hidey-holes to secret themselves in can help them engage with the beast within. 4. Lots of Love     Image credit  Interaction with you is probably the best way to keep your cat happy about their life. Cuddles and playtime is almost guaranteed to keep cats purring. If you find yourself caught up in the hectic rush of daily life and forgetting to make time for your kitty, scheduling daily blocks of time might be a useful idea – even ten minutes a day can make a difference.   Feature Image Credit 

Music can calm and soothe us and lift our mood. Research suggests that music has the same effect on our pets. But the types of music and sounds that appeal to us will not necessarily appeal to our pets. Cats and dogs have much better hearing and wider frequency sensitivities than we do, so what is the best music to play for them?   We’ve all noticed that our pets react to certain sounds and tones - they may appear to be quite happy to listen or may bark, howl or race from the room. Many of us leave a radio, television or music on for our pets when we head out. We believe that it will comfort and reassure them and act as an auditory distraction for dogs with noise phobias or separation anxiety. However, the music could relax them, annoy them or actually have no effect whatsoever.    Animal psychologist Charles Snowdon, studies the connection between animals and music. He realised that animals prefer ‘species-specific music’ and now scientists and researchers are developing musical compositions that use the sounds, pitches, tones and rhythms that form a species’ natural communication structure.   Humans generally like music with tones similar to our own vocal range – anything higher or lower can be irritating to listen to. Music with a rhythm and beat matching our resting heart rate tends to relax us whilst quick rhythms stimulate us. It is the same for our pets but their vocal ranges and heart rates differ greatly from ours.   A cat or dog's sense of hearing is many times more sensitive than ours. They hear frequencies that are too high for us and we have no chance of even detecting. And as for volume, any sound will seem much, much louder to them. Unlike us, cats and dogs seem to prefer simple compositions and melodies.   Whereas the different breeds of cats have a fairly consistent vocal range and heart rate, in dogs these characteristics vary according to breed and size. Large dogs have vocal ranges similar an adult man so may enjoy some of the same music that we do. Psychologist Deborah Wells researched how music influences the moods of dogs. She played them compilations of pop, classical and heavy metal music as well as recordings of human conversation. Heavy music caused the dogs to bark and become quite agitated. Listening to pop music or human conversation appeared to make little difference with the dogs’ behaviour matching periods when no music or recordings were played. Classical music had a calming effect on the dogs.    There are several sources creating music specifically composed for cats and dogs using the pitches, tones and tempos that research has shown appeal to them. You can also create some playlists of your own by choosing different styles of music and recordings of natural sounds and observe how your pet responds. Just remember, cats and dogs prefer simpler music with a slower tempo and keep the volume at a reasonable level. Happy playlisting :)   Image credit Feature image credit  

For pet owners, holidays always present a bit of a problem. What to do with the furry four-legged member of the family?? The common solution is sending the pet off on a holiday of its own, but for cats this trip is usually far less welcome than for the family dog. Cats can return profoundly unhappy and sometimes ill from their stay in the foreign world of a cattery.     Image credit  However, that doesn’t mean you have to put an end to any travel plans or consider the idea of a cattery out of the question. A quality cattery can make a cat holiday pleasant even for the most cantankerous of felines.   Image credit When inspecting a cattery, (an inspection before the day you say goodbye to your cat is an absolute must) there are a few things to look for to make sure it is of suitable quality for your pet: The cages need to be comfortable and stimulating places to stay. They should be insulated correctly so they are neither too hot nor too cold as well as water proofed. The area should also be large enough to exercise in and contain toys, a window to look out of and a pleasant place to sleep. Each cage should be separated by a partition, made of glass or another material, to help prevent disease spread by acting as a ‘sneeze barrier’ between individual cats. Is the cattery approved by your local government authorities? It is important the facility abides by health and safety codes and is not a ‘backyard’ operation. Are staff qualified or suitably experienced? Are they friendly and kind to the cats already staying during your inspection?     Image credit   Once you have decided a cattery is top notch, you should complete a few important actions prior to your cat’s visit. A trip to the vet is essential to ensure your cat has its worming and vaccinations up to date.   It is also necessary you put together an information card with emergency contact details – including those of someone who will not be travelling with you should something happen and your cat needs to be tended to. Any medical conditions or likes and dislikes your cat specifically has should also be noted and brought to the staff’s attention.   If you decide after looking at the catteries in your area that they are not the best choice for your cat, there are other options to ensure your cat is taken care of when you are away.   House care, where a pet minder is employed to feed and play with your kitty in its own home, can be great for shy and nervous cats who don’t tolerate a change in scenery well.  Just remember - with a bit of checking and foresight a happy holiday can be enjoyed by you and your pet.  

There is nothing worse as a dog owner than coming home to discover that your four-legged pal has destroyed a lovely piece of furniture. It is inevitable that at some point, every dog owner is going to lose a possession to chewing. Most of the time dogs will go after smaller items to destroy, such as remote controls, a shoe, or a children's toy. Sometimes dogs get ambitious and chew up furniture though.   Unlike the children's toy or remote control, a piece of furniture cannot be replaced so easily or cheaply. Preventing your dog from chewing on furniture and other household items takes knowledge and effort. Learning why your dog is chewing, and discovering a few helpful tips for preventing that behavior, can help avoid costly damage around the home.   Why is your dog chewing? Dogs, especially puppies, are not so different from human babies. When you were a toddler you explored the world with your mouth. Dogs exhibit the same behavior at all ages. Young puppies chew on items around the house because they are teething. Chewing helps facilitate the teething process and offers relief to their sore gums in the process.   Adult dogs chew on furniture and other items for different reasons. One common reason behind chewing behavior in adult dogs is a desire to be playful. Dogs do not have thumbs like we do to make it easy to grasp things. As a result, dogs use their mouths as a hand for grabbing, tossing, and chewing on things as they play. Sometimes that playful chewing gets directed at your furniture instead of toys and other items.   There are other reasons that your dog may start chewing on furniture around the house. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Boredom Separation anxiety Desire for attention   Never taught not to chew on everything  How to prevent chewing Now that you know some of the reasons your dog may be chewing on furniture, it is time to work on preventing that behavior. Most people take the easy route and buy a taste deterrent, such as Apple Bitters. The problem with using taste deterrents is that is does not address the behavior that is driving the chewing. If you want your dog to stop chewing on furniture, it is going to take a little work to address the issues behind the behavior.   For starters, you should be encouraging appropriate chewing behavior in your dog. Experiment with a variety of toys from your local doggie retailer until you find the type of toy that your pooch really enjoys. Some dogs prefer hard, rubber chew toys. Other dogs prefer softer toys made of cloth or rope. If you notice your dog going after the furniture, quickly correct the behavior and offer them a toy.   When your dog switches from the furniture to the toy, offer them praise to reinforce the idea that chewing on toys is good. You can also build an obsession for toys in your dog by offering treats and food inside of toys (such as a Kong). This offers its own positive reinforcement in your dog's mind that toys are good, and furniture is bad.   The best method you have for preventing your dog from chewing furniture is exercise. Give your dog plenty of exercise and the likelihood of it chewing on furniture will significantly decrease. Often times a dog will chew on furniture simply because it is bored and needs an outlet for its energy.   If you are going to be gone all day, start the morning by taking your dog for a brisk walk to help relieve some of that energy for the day. When you get home, you can further control that energy by engaging in some playtime with it. Playing a game of fetch will not only release physical energy, but it gives the dog a chance to expend some mental energy as well. Remember, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Feature image credit