Dog Tip of the Day

Tips for High-Energy "Marley" Dogs

Is your dog a "Marley," a dog like the lab in the bestselling book and hit movie that turns the place upside down?

If so, don't despair; there is hope. Experts at several training businesses have put together lists of tips for those who might see a little bit of Marley in their own four-legged friend. (And, if your pooch is a Lab, you very well might see more than a little Marley in his disposition.

According to Liam Crowe, president and CEO of Bark Busters, "a bored lab will quickly find ways to vent his pent-up energy by barking, chewing and destroying anything he encounters in your house or yard."

Bark Busters has the following tips for curtailing Marley-like behavior in your dog:

• Provide toys that can handle heavy chewing. Labs are generally food motivated, so use treat-giving puzzle toys to keep him mentally stimulated.
• Get into the habit of providing daily training sessions of 15 minutes or so. Remember, dogs tire far more quickly from mental stimulation than from physical activities.
• Crate training is strongly recommended for Labs. Not only does a crate help with housebreaking, it also helps to create boundaries for your pet, keeping both your dog and your house safe.
• Anticipate your dog's possible naughty behavior. Put baby locks on cupboard doors, put away trash cans, separate your dog from a small child with food. (The dog may snatch the food not out of aggression but simply because the temptation is just too great.)
• Use Bitter Apple spray, or other taste deterrents, on objects you don't want your pooch to chew.

Labels: Training

posted by Paris and John @ 11:40 AM