I had always given my dogs rawhide chews, and when a friend advised me against it I thought she was silly. She warned me that they could upset a dog's stomach and I said that had never been a problem. Went home, gave my dog some rawhide, and she upchucked. I swear she jinxed me, but I haven't used them since, except very sparingly. Different dogs can handle different things, obviously.
What about those plastic boxes that release treats more slowly if you set them that way? I've never used them but they seem to have some promise. Also you can try hiding Napa's toys; I got that idea from someone here and have been doing that. But Chouette finds them immediately so it doesn't keep her busy for long. And then I have to hide it again.
Chouette, at ten months and even much younger, learned that if I was at the computer I wasn't available for play. She often curls up at my feet when I'm sitting here. She does try us when we're eating, seductively bouncing her ball and watching to see if we "bite," but she's learning that that's a no-go either. Bottom line is that Napa has to learn to adjust to your needs and you can train him to do that. There's nothing wrong with his just sleeping while you work. That said, a nice marrow bone or a bone stuffed with cheese could keep him busy while he gets the idea.
Glad to hear that he's so well on the mend!
Leslie
