In partnership with

How to Safely Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Ah, the symphony of a happy dog: the rhythmic thump of a tail, the joyful squeak of a beloved toy, and… the frustrating thunk as that same toy disappears beneath the sofa, never to be seen again (until you embark on a dusty, back-aching retrieval mission).

If your furry friend has a penchant for depositing their treasures in the inaccessible depths of your furniture, you're not alone! Our editor knows this game all too well as their pup is an under-furniture shoving master. It's a common canine quirk, but thankfully, there are ways to gently redirect this behavior.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Not Again! Keeping Toys Unstuck

Why Do They Do It? The Mystery Unveiled

Understanding the "why" behind the toy-shoving is the first step. Some theories include:

• Instinctual Denning: In the wild, dogs might hide food or toys in safe, den-like spaces. Your furniture's shadowy depths could mimic this instinct.

• Playful Challenge: For some dogs, retrieving the toy from under furniture becomes a fun game, a puzzle to solve.

• Attention-Seeking: If your dog notices you scrambling to rescue their toy, they might learn that this behavior gets them your attention.

• Accidental Rolls: Sometimes, it's just a simple case of a toy rolling away during enthusiastic play.

Gentle Solutions for a Toy-Free Zone

Block the Escape Routes

The simplest solution is often the most effective. Use furniture risers, pool noodles, or dedicated pet barriers to block the spaces under your furniture. This physically prevents toys from disappearing.

Offer Alternative Play

Redirect your dog's attention with engaging toys that are less prone to rolling. Think larger, softer toys or interactive puzzles that keep them mentally stimulated.

"Leave It" and "Drop It" Training

Reinforce the "leave it" and "drop it" commands. When you see your dog approaching the furniture with a toy, use "leave it." If they've already shoved it under, use "drop it" when you retrieve it. Consistent training is key.

Positive Reinforcement

When your dog plays with their toys away from the furniture, shower them with praise and treats. This reinforces the desired behavior.

Create a Designated Toy Zone

Provide a basket or bin for your dog's toys. This gives them a clear place to store their treasures and encourages them to keep their toys in one area.

Supervised Play

When possible, supervise playtime, especially with toys that are prone to rolling. This allows you to intervene before a toy disappears.

Make Retrieval Less Rewarding

Avoid making a big fuss when retrieving toys. Simply retrieve it and return to your normal activity. If the dog is doing it for your attention, then give the dog less attention.

It’s Important to Be a Helper - Not An Enabler

Remember, consistency and patience are vital. It may take time for your dog to break their toy-shoving habit. Avoid punishment, as this can create anxiety and confusion. Focus on positive reinforcement and creating a safe and engaging play environment.

With a little creativity and a lot of love, you can reclaim your furniture and enjoy a harmonious playtime with your furry friend. And who knows, you might even find a long-lost sock or two during your toy retrieval adventures!

Melatonin-free sleep!

All-natural melatonin-free sleep support? Yes, it does exist. Cornbread Hemp formulated their gummies for customers who want to avoid the groggy hangover that they experience after taking melatonin. Instead, their gummies are infused with USDA organic ingredients including full spectrum hemp extract, valerian root, lavender, and chamomile. All-natural and vegan, they're guilt-free to your bedtime routine, so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Slip into bed, feel calm and at ease, knowing that sweet dreams are just a gummy away.

Plus, Cornbread is giving Sit and Stay readers 30% off your first order when you use code RESOLUTION at checkout.*

ORDER NOW

*One-time purchases only, cannot be combined with subscription discounts.

Like newsletters? Here are some newsletters our readers also enjoy:

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

Reader Submitted Pup: Rickie!

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Positivity Is Key

Veterinarians advocate for positive reinforcement training as the most effective approach for canine behavior modification. This method centers on rewarding desired actions, thereby creating a positive learning environment and enhancing the owner-pet relationship. Dogs are more likely to learn and repeat appropriate behaviors by employing rewards such as treats, verbal praise, and toys. Vets caution against punishment-based methods, which can induce fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. Positive reinforcement fosters a cooperative and enjoyable training process, leading to a well-behaved and contented dog.

Treats

• 🐶 It’s a Super Dog!: Read all about James Gunn’s inspiration for Krypto — his own dog Ozu!

• ✍️ Join Our Facebook Group and Share Photos of Your Pup(s)!

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] with your dog’s name and reference Sit & Stay for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!

Say goodbye to late-night SOAP charting and burnout

Doctors deserve better than endless charting. AiSOAP.com automates your SOAP notes, cutting documentation time by 95%. Let AI handle the paperwork, while you focus on patients.

⚡ Key Features of AiSOAP:

• 95% Less Documentation Time
  More time with patients, less time on paperwork.

• Fast, Accurate, and Reliable
  AI-generated notes in seconds with full customization.

• Secure and HIPAA-Compliant
  Your patient data is always safe and private.

• EHR-Friendly
  Easy integration with your existing tools.

Join 2,000+ clinicians reclaiming their time. Get $50 off with code: 🎟️ AISOAP50

🚀 Try AiSOAP Free Today