Using Labrador Retriever Training To Identify Separation Anxiety Issues From Plain Boredom

Nothing can be more frustrating than a dog that takes days and weeks to "read" into. Take for example the average family labrador retriever that, nevertheless, develops the habit of tearing into small bits of trash from the garbage. Then the next thing owners know, it destroys objects in the house according to a specific pattern, e.g. only food related objects (e.g. lunch boxes), or perhaps objects that belong to a particular family member (a handbag, a purse).

Like all canine concerns, this will need to be attended to very fast. If you were to undergo this same Labrador Retriever Training concern, chances are you would naturally turn to an expert or a dog trainer for more information. And the likely root of the matter would be traced to only two: separation anxiety or destructive behavior?

Before we come up with some general tips, keep in mind to fight off the temptation to just throw your dog into the crate every time you see it surrounded by scattered trash. Heaven forbid that the dog identify crates as a cage!

Now, how can our concern above be traced more definitely to separation anxiety?

We can form a better answer by determining what kind of big changes have happened in the daily schedules of family members. Is the dog used to having free reign when alone, and has it behaved responsibly before? Does the dog go after only the things of a certain family member? If so, has anything changed in the schedule of this person which has affected very much the behavior of the dog?

On the other hand, it is also possible that the dog is so intent on shredding to bits the home out of simple boredom.

Has anything changed in the exercise routines of the dog? Has there been a cutting down on its exercise, or has its time for workouts changed? Did you recently stop some class that the dog used to attend?

General solutions in Labrador Retriever Training do not exist, since personalities vary from dog to dog. But whether it's separation anxiety or boredom, many experts and trainers recommend longer walks or playtime as a prudent solution, together with crating the dog whenever it will be alone at home for extended periods.