Labrador Retriever Dogs

Most puppies have a strong desire to investigate there surroundings, this is a totally natural behavior, but sometimes this can lead to problems.  For example, digging up your garden or chewing on your new slippers can be a problem.  For the pet, this is a normal thing, but it can make the puppies owner upset or angry.  It may be difficult at the time but we must try and remember that punishment is not necessarily the solution to this problem.

What is? Reinforcing good behavior with praise works better than punishment to correct problem behavior such as inappropriate chewing and digging.  Not only does this work better, it keeps your puppy happier as well.
Some possible solutions…Chew Toys.  Since your puppy is going to have the desire to chew give or make available appropriate things to chew on.  Begin with a variety of puppy chew toys.  Start out with a variety of chew toys. This will help you to determine which type of toy your puppy prefers. Rotate different toys to help keep puppy interested and always reward puppy when he/she chews their toys.  Make sure you select distinctive looking toys that are not visually similar to household items that you don’t want chewed.  Also, there are commercial anti chew sprays available on the market that you might try.

Sometimes dogs just dig for the fun of it,  but there are other reasons like he may want to cool off on a hot day, bury and retrieve bones, escape confinement or to chase rodents.  Chewing and digging or any destructive behavior could also be a direct response to anxiety.

Digging often occurs when pets have insufficient stimulation.  Providing chew toys and increased play and exercise may help curtail this behavior.  Some methods of discouraging digging are: changing or covering the surface by placing rocks or covering with concrete.  Remote punishment may also work. Examples would be while you see your dog digging, turn on a sprinkler, or pull on an extended leash.  With love and patience this problem can be resolved.