I have a ten month old lab/golden retriever mix. Within the last month, he had entered an incredibly naughty phase. I cannot leave him alone for two minutes - literally - without him finding something to run off with or run off with and tear up. He has also dug a two foot long trench in our back yard this week - we have a dedicated area for him to dig but he is like an archaeologist, seeking out roots and other things in our yard. I work from home and try to keep him gated in my office area with me most of the day. I know he needs more stimulation and we do occasionally do a day at doggie day care but I can't afford that more than once a week. We did do introductory training with him and he knows the basics besides "come" but of course he obeys when he feels like it most of the time. I'm going to put him in canine good citizen training but that isn't until later in June. How do I work and stimulate his brain so he isn't so naughty on a tight budget?
Hi, I understand completely, my 14 month old does the same, especially digging! We give her frozen Kong's filled with her food, chicken, banana all mixed with plain fat free bio yogurt. Or we scatter her meal all around and she"hunts" for it, this keeps her busy and also tires her out. Good luck
Look at dog games or kiko pup websites. Do scent work Training. Scatter fed him do anything to tire his brain
There are tons of fun things you can do from home, using only what you already have on hand, to train your pup and not spend any more money than what you already do. You can use empty water bottles to make food/treat puzzles. Walk/run time before and after your work time will also help.
Hi TriciaAnn, welcome to the forum! Chewing, digging and general naughtiness are very normal for a young pup Looking for ways to keep him busy is a great idea. Here are some articles you might find helpful: 4 games to play with your Lab - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/4-fun-games-to-play-with-your-labrador/ How to stop a puppy chewing - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-chewing/ How to stop a dog digging - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/stop-my-dog-digging/ Let us know how you get along!
Take a look at Kikopup's YouTube channel for free excellent training videos and follow those. Have 4 or 5x 10minute training sessions a day, to tire out his mind. Try to take him to a new place daily, the novelty will tire him out - and work on basic focus and attention from him, in those new locations. Work on exercises that involve activity, like the recall, retrieves etc. LOADS to do, to tire out a dog's mind...
