Tips for High-Energy "Marley" Dogs
December 26, 2008 by Paris and John
Filed under Tips, Training
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.
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Very useful post. I always remember this quote and apply it to my dogs – he/she can resist anything apart from temptation!
Even if you have a pedal bin with a safety catch don't assume they won't learn how to open it – or just use brute force and ignorance!
Also I so agree on the 15 minute rule [or even less] boredom soon stops any progress.
Love your posts – maybe you'll find something of interest at my blog http://lhasaapsopottytraining.blogspot.com too!