Introduction
The Root of the Behavior
If you intend to give your dog bones, there are a million better choices to choose from. Likely the best option is in the form of deer antlers, but these even have their draw backs. A deer antler is unlikely to break off into sharp fragments like a chicken bone would, but they are incredibly strong bones. The hardness of these bones can cause your canine to chip or break teeth in the rear of their mouth. This is especially common in breeds with locking jaws or a high bite strength. Broken teeth in a canine can lead to infections in the mouth and of course a lot of pain when the tooth breaks. It will likely end up costing you a rather large dental bill as the chance of infection will just increase as time goes on. Vets would often recommend not using bones at all and instead go with a chew toy that is softer and better suited to canines.
Encouraging the Behavior
Chicken bones that are cooked become more likely to splinter than raw or uncooked chicken bones. Uncooked chicken bones may be more acceptable to give your dog, but still not a great idea. Even though they are less likely to shatter and splinter, uncooked chicken bones can have harmful bacteria such as salmonella that could cause other medical concerns. This can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Not all bones are best for all breeds. Work with an animal nutritionist or veterinarian to figure out which bones are going to be the best ones for your canine in particular and which ones you should desperately try and stay away from.