Mythbusters for pets

[christy]

This is a sort of Mythbusters for pets thread.

I've heard a few suggestions along the way if dogs aren't doing the right thing. Maybe if we get some of those wives tales and old school things out here, we can have some of the vets, nurses and behaviouralists that we have on BellyBelly come in and give answers, why they are good theories, why they aren't etc etc.

I think some of the myths need to be debunked and maybe some of the myths proved to be true!

Did you know that if you squirt a dog with vinegar and it gets in their eyes you can have a serious health issue? I've seen dogs that wind up with huge corneal ulcers... its incredibly painful. So when I hear people suggest squirting a dog with vinegar I get concerned, just because I know what can happen if your aim is off.

So... lets hear them! Not to put anyone down, but to gain knowledge on how to better care for our pets!!

[rufalina]

Great thread idea. Interesting to know about the vinegar and eyes. Looking forward to learning a few things here!

[HotI]

True or false? if puppies wee inside, you should rub their nose in it.

[christy]

MYTH: Rubbing puppies nose in wee: False!

Reasons: This is from Dr. Cam Day a behavioural specialist in Brisbane:

t is never correct to punish a pup for soiling. Forget smacking or yelling at the pup and never rub the pup?s nose in its mistakes. While that may make you feel better, it has no training value at all.

If a mistake occurs, quietly clean it up and continue with the program.

Be patient with your pup. It still has lots to learn and but your gentle guidance will get it there.

and another thing I had written for my puppy preschool class:

If you find a soiled area, it's too late to correct them. Do nothing but clean it up. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking him to
the spot and scolding him (or any other punishment or discipline) will only make him afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. Puppies don't understand punishment after the fact, even if it's only seconds later. Punishment will do more harm than good.

[ss_storm]

What about putting a dog's poo in the holes it's digging in the backyard to stop them...does that work? I've been told it does, but am a bit hesitant to have holes filled with dog poo all over the yard...

[echidna]

Great idea! I'm hoping we'll be able to get a puppy this year, this thread will be very helpful. Good work Christy!

[feeb]

Great thread cant wait to hear what works and what doesnt!!

Ohh crazy idea of vinger though and yuck the smell around your house!