Paw Chewing Behavior in Dog is Cause for Concern: Dog Behavior Advice for Alleviating Irritated Paws

Mom and I have received an interesting question through our dog behavior advice column about a dog that licks her paws. Although this question was addressed to my mom, who happens to be certified professional dog trainer, she and I both thought it would be better for me to address it, since I myself am of the canine variety. Plus I've been known to lick my paws now and again, so in this case, I'm more of the expert.

• Q: My dog is always chewing on her feet. I've heard it's allergies to grass. Is that true? Also, is there something I can do to make her feel better? - Emily

• A: Well Emily, I'd say there is a variety of reasons why your dog might be licking her paws.

A few topics to consider:

• If you think it might be allergies, or another medically related reason, you'll want to have your dog checked out by her doctor. Mom and I don't practice veterinary medicine, we're strictly behavior, so we'd be working outside our scope of practice if we gave medical advice. You can certainly check between her toes and look closely at her skin to see if there is irritation, but there might be something you aren't able to detect that only a medically trained professional can. If you're in need of a vet, you can check out our Inquisitive Canine resources page for links to finding a vet in your area.

• When/what time does she lick her paws? More often after playing in the grass? Or at specific times of the day? When she is left alone? Before going to sleep? (That's when I lick my paws...right before going night-nights...mom says it appears similar to young humans sucking their thumbs before going to sleep...just her own observation).

• Could it be boredom? Have you provided other items for her to lick/chew? These types of items are referred to as Enrichment. Us pooches like to chew and lick things, so her paws may be the outlet she needs. Providing an inanimate object that she loves might be your best bet for redirecting her feet chewing behavior. Something to try anyway.

Chewies like Bully sticks and antlers are some of my favorite. They last a long time, don't splinter (I hate when things get stuck in my teeth or cause me to choke). Plus, they don't stink up the place, and don't stain the floor or furniture. (Mom is very happy about that!) This is a photo of me and all of my various enrichment!

I wonder if there have been studies on dogs licking paws before taking nappies? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Ball Obsession & One Fetching Dog: Which of Your Dog's Behaviors Are Your Reinforcing?

Mom and I just received another great question through our dog behavior advice column about a dog named Tyler. According to his dad, Tyler is more interested in playing fetch at the dog parks - instead of wanting to play with other dogs. Even though Tyler's humans left the ball and "flingy thingy" at home, Tyler, being a dog, would find other balls, and get other humans to reinforce his love of fetch.

My mom the certified professional dog trainer is taking care of our column, but I thought I'd add my two cents from an inquisitive canine's point of view.

First off I say to Tyler's dad: Nice job on management. You've at least taken some steps by leaving the ball and ball flinger at home... I know when I go to dog friendly places, if mom and dad want me to interact with other dogs, they leave my toys at home. They (mom and dad) wouldn't bring their laptop, book or DVD to a party and start working, reading or watching movies - unless that's what they were supposed to do. No, they'd interact and socialize with other guests. So why do people take their dogs to dog parks, then not want their dogs to interact with other dogs?

One other question Tyler's dad can ask himself: "What behaviors am I reinforcing?" Well, I say you're leaving Tyler to go off on his own and hunt for balls and willing participants. So you're inadvertently rewarding "fetch", albeit passively. If that isn't the desired behavior, then you need to ask yourself: "What behavior do I want?" I venture to say: "Playing with other dogs."

If that is the case, then that is the behavior you need to reward - with extra pieces of steak. You see, if you give pieces of steak, chicken, "good boy" etc... to Tyler whenever he looks, acknowledges, greets, shows interest, and plays with other dogs, then that is the behavior that will happen more often.

If he goes off and starts to hunt for balls, you can give him a "Too bad!" and leash him up for 20 seconds or so... You'll also want to mention to other humans that Tyler is learning how to socialize with other canines, so if they would, please refrain from throwing balls... But they can certainly give Tyler a "good boy!" whenever he says "hi" to their dog.

I wonder when mom or dad are going to take me to the dog park again? I wonder when we're going to take another road trip north? I wonder if I'll ever get to meet Tyler? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

When it Comes to Leash Walking This Dog, I Say Think "Aerosmith"

As the brilliant Steven Tyler says "Walk This Way!" And I have to agree. I also agree with what my mom the rockin' certified professional dog trainer says. Mom teaches this stuff in her dog training classes and loose leash walking workshops. She also has some great tips on loose leash walking on her own dog training tips blog, but I thought I'd add to it since I'm the one at the other end of the leash: 

• Divide the lessons into simple steps: Think baby steps! Short and steady wins the race! Too much too soon can lead to failure and frustration, for both the guardian and the dog. 
  
• 3-D training: Separate each parameter of Distance, Duration and Distractions - increasing only one "D" at a time, and either lowering the other two or keeping them at the same level.
• Kindergarten - College: Start out practicing in your home, then move it to the yard, then the street (that's part of the distractions segment)
• If you have more than one dog, teach one at a time, then put them together (again, distractions)
• Walk your dog with user friendly equipment that makes it easier for us, and not correction based. Mom LOVES the Easy-Walk or Sensation harnesses. Both of these items have an attachment for the leash on the front of the chest. Both help to decrease pulling (I hardly ever pull when I wear mine, and usually only when my nemesis E.J. Harrison is around...). Plus, they're comfy, without pressure on my neck or face....aahhh. Mom sells the Easy-Walk harnesses at our dog training studio in Ventura - makes them easily available for students. 

The ever so caring and savvy dog mom of two poochies recently wrote to our Dear Inquisitive Canine advice column about how to handle distractions while out one walks. Mom suggested some of the above info, with special emphasis on the "3-D's" - those distractions can be soooo....distracting! 

I wonder if mom would be more distracted by a bread bakery or a chocolate store while out walking? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.