NOTE to self: don't leave the cellphone on the coffee table and within the new puppy's reach.
That sounds like a pretty expensive mistake doesn't it?
Fortunately it was discovered before any damage ensued! Raider, my new puppy, is 13 weeks old now and just beginning to get into a natural developmental phase of curiosity. He is drawn to things of unusual colours or shapes. Flies bouncing off the glass patio doors enthrall him, as does anything that has my odour - including my shoes, socks and cellphone.
I have turned my back on him for a brief moment only to find him rummaging through an open closet door then running off like a thief in the night with something of mine.
At this age, his brain is taking in information at light speed.
Everything that was frightening last week, he is inquisitive about this week. Anything that he sat and observed last week, he is chasing after this week.
Things he was curious about last week, he is learning and mastering this week.
His inquisitiveness and growing intelligence is wonderful to work with and train, but when I can't keep him busy he needs plenty of things to keep himself occupied, otherwise I might find him beginning to get destructive.
Puppies get destructive because they are bored, plain and simple. As humans, we seem to forget that there are growing minds behind those soft eyes and puppy breath and if they aren't given the ability to exercise that growing mind constructively, they will do it themselves destructively.
Taking your puppy out for frequent walks throughout the day will certainly tire him out physically, but it doesn't do too much for his growing mind. Instead of going for a walk around the block, turn at least one of your walks into a fun mental experience as well.
One thing to try is to use things along your walk to exercise your dog's brain, such as using a treat to lure him up and along a cement parking barrier or tree stump. See if you can get your little Fido to walk with only his front paws on the small cement barrier and then see if he can balance himself along the entire thing.
Now I'm not talking about those two-foot-high barriers but the shorter ones about eight inches high.
If you can't find a parking barrier try a small log along a trail, anything that the pup can jump up to easily. Allow him to follow his nose, which will be focused on the treat you are holding.
Also, take your walks in different areas. Don't follow the same route day in and day out. Your puppy needs to experience a variety of things in different environments, not only for healthy socialization, but for a healthy mind as well.
While in the house, have a selection of toys for your pup to play with. Soft, squeaky stuffed toys, chewy latex ones and toys that make odd noises help keep a puppy's attention and allow him to entertain himself.
There are a plethora of doggy "brain teaser" toys now available in most high-end pet stores. Some of these toys are fairly pricey and are either a hit or miss with dogs in the entertainment department. Some dogs can spend a great length of time with them while others become disinterested within minutes.
It might be a good idea to bring your pup to the store with you and see which one he finds most interesting rather than you deciding for him, only to find he would rather bury it in the yard than play with it.
An old standby toy that is inexpensive but fun for most dogs is a Kong stuffed with treats, peanut butter or the pup's dinner. This Kong stuffer game allows the young dog to work for his dinner and burn off some extra energy.
Fortunately this destructive phase will only last for a few weeks and if I handle it right, will result in minimal damage to my property.
Although, right after this phase ends, another one begins - the nipping and biting phase.
Oh joy!
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for over 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation.
Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.
