Dog Gone Problems is a weekly advice column by David Codr, a dog behaviorist in Omaha. David answers dog behavior questions sent in by our readers. You can reach him at dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com.
***
Dog Gone Problems,
I have a 9-month-old Labrador puppy who never listens to me and always has the zoomies. Please help!
Tammy
***
Hi Tammy,
Labs can be amazing dogs, but many of our puppy parents find them to be one of the most frustrating breeds between 6 and 14 months old due to being so high energy.
The best way to counter this is to make sure they are getting regular physical and mental exercise every few hours. Most people exclusively focus on physical exercise and often try to accomplish it in one session, but because of puppy sleeping patterns, exercise needs to be in shorter more frequent sessions (every two to three hours) throughout the day. I'd recommend you alternate between physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.
Physical exercise tips:
» Walks: Dogs burn more energy on a walk by sniffing than they do from walking. But humans tend to think that it’s the walking they need, so any time the puppy puts his or her nose on the ground, people jerk the leash or pull the pup along. So on walks, make sure you are letting your puppy stop to sniff as much as he or she wants — provided it's safe to do so. Walks should be between 20 and 40 minutes long. If you have the means, enlisting the help of a dog walker once a day can really help out. Just make sure they know to let your puppy sniff as much as he or she wants and never use a pinch collar.
» Fetch: Try to keep fetch sessions shorter — 10 to 15 minutes if the dog is fetching consistently. If you have a large yard, you may want to pick up a “chuck it,” which is a plastic arm that allows you to throw the ball farther and also pick it up without having to use your hand.
» Puppy play dates: Setting up a puppy play date with a puppy who is similar in age and energy level is one of the best ways to drain the excess energy. Use social media to see if you have any friends or friends of friends who have puppies nearby that you can bring over or visit for a puppy play date. Don’t let the puppies play too rough, or let the intensity level get too high. Any time a puppy gets close to half their energy range, grab them, give them a treat and give them a time out until they relax. Then let them play again.
Mental exercise tips:
» Kongs. Go for black if your puppy is a strong chewer, as these are more durable. Fill the Kong with peanut butter so your puppy has to lick it out. Just make sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free. After the first few times, you can start putting them in the freezer to make the peanut butter more difficult to get out.
» Lick mats: This is a great way to occupy a puppy and provide it with mental stimulation. Look for silicone versions with suction pads on the bottom, which prevent the dog from picking it up and moving around. Smear peanut butter on it and, after giving your puppy a few of them, start freezing them like you do a Kong.
» Scent games: For this, just hide treats around your home. A simple Google search of scent games will provide you with a number of different versions of this easy-to-set-up game.
» Edible chew items: Bully sticks, cow ears, cow kneecaps, Himalayan chews, marrow bones, tracheas, no hides (never give rawhides) and pigs ears are all great ways to distract your puppy and keep them occupied. Only give one of these a day.
» Snuffle mats for meals: A snuffle mat is similar to a floor mat that has long tassels. Dump your puppy’s dry kibble on it and work it into the tassels. Since they use their nose to find the kibble, it’s also physically draining. It's equal to going for a walk.
» Treat dispensing puzzles and games: Treat dispensing toys and puzzles can also be very physically draining. I like using an Omega Paw Treat Ball but there are tons of them out there. I’d recommend you find 6 to 10 and start incorporating a snack a few times a day using a different puzzles each time. You can put regular kibble in these, too.
» Dog training: Do this at times when your puppy is not super excited. Try to incorporate a few two- to three-minute training sessions an hour or so after your pup’s physical exercise options.
Good luck and remember — everything you do trains your dog. Only sometimes you mean it.
David
Submit your pet questions to David Codr by emailing a photo of your dog and question to dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com. Visit doggoneproblems.com for more from David.
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest:
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest
These are the very good dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest. All are up for adoption as of Aug. 3. For more information on the adoption process and to see all dogs available for adoption, visit nehumanesociety.org/adopt.
All adoptions are being done via appointment only. The application can be found inside each animal's bio on the Humane Society's website.
Name: Missy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 9 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 4
Bio: Missy is a shy girl who was having a hard time in the shelter and is now in a loving foster home. Her foster mom says she is very smart and already knows sit, down, shake, high five and is working on leave it and drop it. Meeting new people is difficult for her and can be a slow process. She is slowly gaining more confidence every day and is looking for a home experienced with dogs that are fearful and under socialized. Missy is just a big puppy and is still trying to figure out the whole potty-training thing. So patience is going to be key! A fenced in yard will help her potty-training progress and is a must. Her ideal home will need to be one where someone is home most of the time, or even a family with split schedules, that can let her out often. Because she is very shy, she needs an adult only home with few visitors. She does not like to share she family's attention with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her next home. Missy is a very fun and playful girl once she opens up. She still needs a little work but has lots of love to give!
Name: Tullia
Breed: Boxer and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 6 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 24
Bio: Tullia arrived at the shelter as a skinny stray. She has since gained weight, but she still hears heavenly singing and golden light emanating from any food she sees… and will do whatever it takes to get you to hand over the food. Sit? Shake? Lie down? Roll over? If you want to teach Tullia a trick, she will work for it for the foods. Tullia isn't to picky about the home she goes to, all she asks is there are no cats, and that she is your only dog so she can get all the treats you have. She can be a little too enthusiastic about taking treats, at times, so she might do better with older kids, but being in your family to meet her and see if she will be a good match.
Name: Rebel
Breed: Labrador retriever and bit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: April 14
Bio: Rebel is an outgoing gal with energy to spare. She loves the water and her exuberant and bubbly personality can be contagious, but some people may find it a little overwhelming. She may not be the best fit for the first-time dog owner. If you have experience with large dogs and want a dog to take on adventures and train, then Rebel is your girl! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be 12 years or older, as she may be a bit too much for younger family members. She should not go to a home with female dogs. If going to a home with male dogs, Rebel will need to meet them to make sure they can handle her pushy and rambunctious play style! She'll need a home with a fenced in yard, so no apartment life for me. .
Name: Kaiser
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 6 years
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: April 26
Bio: Kaiser is looking for an adult-only household with a 6-foot privacy fence where he will feel more comfortable and secure. He prefers the company of female dogs to other males, and will need to meet all family members and any other dogs before going home with you.
Name: Ryker
Breed: Catahoula leopard hound
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 5
Bio: Ryker is an energetic, playful boy who loves toys. He can be nervous around new people and sometimes slow to warm up. He's looking for a home that will be patient and allow him to warm up at his own pace. Because he's not a big fan of sharing my toys, Ryker will require a home with adults only. He must meet all members of the home and resident dogs prior to adoption. Due to his energy level and athletic abilities, he'll require a home with a 6 foot privacy fence, as he could easily jump a 4 foot fence. He would do best with a female dog or as the only dog in the home.
Name: Baby Girl
Breed: English Bulldog and Pit Bull Terrier mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Baby Girl has simple tastes and is easy to please. Play with her, snuggle her and give her all the best snacks. A home without any kids under 12, and no other female dogs would be ideal for her. Just bring your family in to meet her and make sure you're a good match!
Name: Lucille
Breed: English bulldog and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Lucille is known for being best dressed, always sporting her tux. She may be overdressed for most occasions, but she is ok with being the center of attention with all eyes on her. If she isn't getting enough attention she might climb onto your lap and live out her dreams of being a lap dog. Lucille is looking for a home with where she can have the spotlight on her, and no other dogs, and with any kids being older. You don't have to be in formal wear to meet her, just bring your family in to see if she's a match for you!
Name: Loki
Breed: English bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 28
Bio: If you have a ball and a good throwing arm, you and Loki will be a perfect match. Throw the ball and he will happily fetch it! Do you have any kids? Younger kids can be too overwhelming for Loki, he's a sensitive soul under his athletic appearance, but if your kids are closer to their teens, they'll be fun to play with. Just bring your family in to meet him so you can have some ball throwing tryouts! Loki is not suited for apartment living.
Name: Astro
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Age: 1 year, 4 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 29
Bio: Astro is a happy pup but she can also be a bundle of nerves at times when around a lot of people or commotion. She's a pretty sweet pup if there isn't too much happening at once, but can become quite timid with new people and dogs. Astro would like to meet all of the family members including the other dogs, just to make sure they won't be too much for her. She is looking for a home with just adults for company. Astro is not suitable for apartment living and would prefer a home without any feline friends.
Name: Mel
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 30
Bio: Mel is a sweet girl that can be a little anxious at times, so she'll need someone who will give her a chance to acclimate to a new home. Mel likes to play with tennis balls and loves to meet other dogs, but some dogs may not appreciate how much she wants them to be her new best friend. As a herding breed dog, she may not be the best fit for a home with cats or small animals. Mel is also very high energy, so she'll need a family that will help make sure she's getting the exercise that she needs! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be closer to their teens. Mel will need to meet all resident dogs before going to her new forever home to make sure you're a good match.
David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
