Just About Jacks

Archive for June 28th, 2009

Labrador Retrievers have and always will be intelligent dogs that just can’t stand to sit still. Because of this, these dogs have to be given activities to do in order to be happy and well behaved. When a dog doesn’t get the interaction that it needs, it will find a way to entertain itself. Labs often do this by digging. To keep this problem from happening, you have to really understand what causes the issue in the first place.

First off, you need to know that digging is an instinctive behavior for a dog. There can be multiple things that can cause Labs and any other dogs to dig. Labrador Retrievers may do some kind of bad behavior (such as digging) to gain your attention, it could be doing it to get some protection from the elements or she may just be bored and looking for something to do. If you want to stop your Labrador from digging, you need to watch him and determine what is causing her to dig.

Let’s Get Started

If bones or food is being buried, then do not give him the opportunity to bury these by not giving them to your dog at all. Another option is to only give your Labrador Retriever food or toys inside the house.

Want a quicker answer? Click here to read more on dealing with labrador digging.

Another thing to watch for is if your dog is laying in the hole that it dug. If it’s hot, make sure your dog has plenty of water and a cool place to lay, if it’s cold give you do a place to go that is out of the wind. A really simple fix is to build a dog house for your pooch.

Is your dog digging to get to something on the other side of the fence? This problem can be a little more difficult to deal with. Since Labrador Retrievers are such social dogs they don’t like to be alone. Your dog may be digging because she is lonely.

If you suspect that this is the cause of your Labrador digging, you have a few options. Firstly, give your Lab lots of exercise. Dogs love “play” exercise – throw a ball or go for a run. When you leave the house, make sure he has a lot of toys to keep her busy.

One other option is to set off a specific digging area. Whenever he digs in the designated area, give her a reward. You may also try to bury chicken wire in the areas that are most often dug up. This works because your dog won’t like the feel of the chicken wire.

Overall, not giving your dog free range while you are away is the best option. Try sectioning off a part of the yard to keep her in when you are out. This limits the overall damage that could be done otherwise.

Lab digging is preventable. It is simply a matter of determining the cause of the problem and fixing it. It doesn’t help to yell at your dog for digging. This just confuses him and makes matters worse. Finding a diversion for your dog’s energy is a much better option. Lots of love and exercise goes a long way to a happy, healthy Lab. The biggest dog training secret is love and positive affirmation.

Puppies can be a fun addition to the household, but they can also be plenty of dog training work. The first few days after you bring your puppy home from the shelter or breeder will do much to shape the relationship that you and your new dog will have for years to come. It is important to prepare yourself for these early days with your new puppy, and a newborn puppy training guide can be just the ticket to provide you with all of the information that you will need. Puppies are generally not allowed to go home with a new owner until they are at least eight weeks of age, so keep in mind that a newborn puppy care guide will be dealing with dogs of this approximate age.

Bringing your Puppy Home

Your new pup has spent the first eight weeks of his life surrounded by his mother and littermates. He has eaten with the pack, slept with them and had plenty of playmates to choose from. All of a sudden, your puppy is taken from the environment that makes him feel safe and comfortable, and is placed into unfamiliar surrounding without the pups around him that he is so used to. It is no wonder that you and your puppy might have a sleepless night or two at the beginning. However, there are some pointers in a newborn puppy care guide that will help you to manage those first few nights as gently as possible.

First, before you bring your pup home, purchase a dog crate for him to sleep in. This will give your dog a safe haven that will feel like home much more quickly than your large and overwhelming bedroom might. It will also give him an enclosed sleeping area that gives you the peace of mind in knowing that he is not spending his night soiling your carpet or chewing on your furniture. Place an old blanket or towel inside so that your dog feels secure and warm. If you are concerned about him whining through the night, you can keep the crate close to your bed until your dog feels more comfortable. It should only take a couple of nights for your puppy to settle into his new home.

Feeding your Puppy

Most newborn puppy care guides recommend that you feed a very young dog three times a day with a high-quality dry puppy food. Once your dog hits the three month age, you can drop the feeding frequency down to twice a day. Do not feed your puppy anything but puppy food, and an occasional treat like a Milk Bone biscuit. This will ensure that your puppy’s weight and digestive system remain healthy. Your newborn puppy care guide will probably also recommend that you do not leave food down for your dog all of the time, since this can lead to unhealthy eating habits and overeating.

A new puppy can be cute and fun, but a newborn dog training guide is essential in providing information about how to care for your young dog properly. You can find newborn puppy care guides at your pet shop, breeder, or veterinarian’s office.