Kristina Robertson, owner of Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square, shares her knowledge and expertise from more than 20 years in the pet-care business.
Off The Leash: My dog loves to chew. Stuffed animals and rubber toys are no match for his teeth. And when he gets bored, he'll start on flip flops and other off-limit things. What's a toy that is indestructible and will keep him busy?
Kristina Robertson: Since chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, you need a safe dog chew to direct this behavior to appropriate items (and not your flip flops or furniture!). Here are some tips to help you choose the safest and best dog chew toys:
Size: Since I don't know what size your chewer is, make sure the toy you chose is large enough so that he can't swallow the toy.
Safe: Make sure that the toy you chose is rated well on safety charts.
Durable: This will be key since your little chewer is going through the current toys you are buying like water through a stream. At Barkley Square, we sell a toy brand called "Tuffies" that have durability ratings from 5-10. Sounds like your little guy needs a 10!
Easy to clean: Toys that are indestructible usually cost more than the "average" toy, so you want to try to keep it around. Read the labels for cleaning.
Guaranteed: Honestly, there really is no indestructible toy for a dog that really wants to demonstrate his killer instinct. So many of the toys, like the ones sold at Barkley Square, have limited guarantees. If your chewer gets through a Tuffie within a week, you will get your money back.
OTL: Labs usually love to fetch, except mine doesn't. He'll chase a ball once and then wants me to come get it from him. It's the same thing when I call him to come. He usually doesn't and will stare at me instead. Any suggestions?
KR: Are you sure you have a lab? I'm just kidding; I would never have believed that until I recently met a non-fetching lab myself. It does happen that the bloodline in purebreds can miss a gene or two. Never fear, you can train your lab to fetch. But with anything new, it requires patience and consistency. Train in reverse. Your lab is probably used to you throwing the stick or the ball and you telling him to "fetch" or "go get it," so now let's just put the ball/stick in his mouth. Reward him for holding on to it. Even if he only holds it a few seconds, this is good. Once he is able to hold it in his mouth for 30 to 60 seconds, start prompting him to drop it in your hand.
Once this is perfected, start dropping the ball on the ground. When he touches it with his nose, praise or reward him. When he has this down, start commanding him to pick up the object. Then start gradually tossing the ball a little further away.
If he doesn't go for this, then you possibly have a lab that just doesn't like to fetch for his job, so you will have to find him another job to please you.
OTL: I'm trying to keep my dog at a healthy weight. He's about 80 pounds and needs to lose about five more. We walk and play daily, but his appetite is rather large. We've cut back on his food, but I'd like to find a low-calorie treat for him. What would you suggest?
KR: Just like humans, dogs need a healthy diet and exercise. No irrational fad diets for Fido. Sounds like you are doing a great job so far. Many veterinarians are suggesting vegetables. Try freezing whole green beans, offering baby carrots, or if your pup is like mine, sweet potato sticks. As with anything we serve, only serve in moderation. Your big boy is sure to lose those last five pounds for sure.
If you have any dog questions for Kristina, e-mail them to delraydogs@gmail.com.
