Stitches

Labbie Boredom Buster?

For about the last week my 9 month old lab seems bored all the time. She completely destroyed the living room today - tearing up her vet records, two magazines, and a fleece that were on the kitchen table, chewing on four shoes, and tangling about 20 balls of crochet yarn. Only once before has she ever chewed on anything not hers - one shoe. I crate her, but as she showed she could be trusted, I leave her out if it's not going to be long (up to about 6 or 7 hours and she has done fine). Today she was only alone for about 5 hours. We go on a daily walk/hike of 3 miles. She is usually off the leash and free to run and chase whatever. She is usually pretty laid back and content the rest of the day. But the last week or so, she has been pacing and wanting to go in and out all the time. She has gotten lazy with her kongs - chewing for a little while and then bringing them to me as if to say you just do it. She has lots of toys (chew, stuffed, fetch) and plenty of friends. Any ideas? She remains bored even with the Kongs. She is excellent at getting treats out of the Kongs - we use biscuits, peanut butter and bread, anything that will keep her busy for more than a moment. But regardless what's in the Kong, she seems bored with them, too. She plays with other dogs at least two times a week. I have considered getting a second dog - but I've only had her for two and a half months and right now don't have the money for additional vet bills and food unless I reduce the quality of care and food she is getting. I am involved with a lab rescue and have also considered fostering where those expenses would be covered, but these dogs also come with their own problems and I feel like I need to establish a good set of rules and get her trained well, so that she can lead by example for a new dog. After today she is definitely going back in the crate while I'm gone, but even when I'm around, she still just seems so bored. The weather has changed in our area - getting cold. And today, I did try a different hike - I'm hoping the change of scenery may help. We do typically change it up quite a bit though - about every fourth time, we move to a different park or just go on a neighborhood walk or try a new trail. Also already tried some new Kong toys. She chewed through a puppy Kong a while back, so we have two red Kongs and a new Black Kong (that kept her busy for a good portion of last week), a Kong Treat Ball, a Kong dental jack, and a brand new (bought Saturday) black Kong treat bone. I switch them out (both the Kong and the types of treats I use) often. I am just at a loss for what to do. She has actually finally settled down tonight - asleep on the floor.

Public Comments

1. Stuff her Kong with treats or peanut butter. A challenging toy keeps her busy and she gets a reward at the end. Do you have any friends or family members with dogs? It might be good to get her playing with another dog to get some social interaction, that may calm her down a bit.
2. Has the weather or temp changed lately in your area? When it does in my area, both of my dogs (lab included) seem to go off the deep end. I would suggest going back to crating until your dog is a bit older. (Mine stays in his crate while I'm out of the house...even when I think I can trust him...he ate a battery while I was in the shower...seriously, 5 minutes and he gets into stuff...) You're getting a walk in...so that's good. You could always try extending the time or picking a new route. Get your dog interested in the kongs again by stuffing them with peanut butter. *Okay, if stuffing the kong still has her bored....try buying a new one. I had the super huge size for my dogs and they just seemed not to like it. I bought a different shape and a smaller one (much harder to get treats out) and they suddenly enjoy the kong toys.
3. It might not be boredom. It could be something else. Is she having any problems? Would she need a check up at the vet? Do you go out and she cries? Maybe she is angry at you for leaving her? I really am not sure. She could be having teething problems? She might have a tooth ache and is trying to fix it by biting and chewing other things and not keeping still. Whatever it is good luck! Roxy Angel xx
4. There's a toy called tug-a-jug that takes a long time to get all the treats out of. Some dogs like it, others can't figure it out. I'd just try getting her more variety of toys & bones, maybe take the kongs away for a few days and alternate toys. Try feeding her all her meals inside toys so she has to work to get her food. If it's an issue of separation anxiety, toys might not do it. If that's the case, you'll have to work on keeping a consistent and relaxed schedule when you leave & come home. Don't make a big deal out of leaving. Also there are various dog-calming products you can get (see Foster Smith website) like a plug-in w/"dog-appeasing pheromones" that a dog expert behavioralist vet I know recommends. But most of all, just try to keep stuff she'll chew out of her reach. Maybe that will mean not leaving stuff on the table for a while, but eventually she'll grow out of it (to an extent ;) ). Plus it'll help you be more tidy, perhaps. I know that's what's happened in our house. Good luck & don't give up!