Expert: Cassie - 1/27/2008

Question
Hi Cassie. I have a 9-month-old chocolate Labrador, pure breed. We also have a 8-year-old yellow Labrador and the get along well. We play with the dogs for one hour every day, and three times a week we take them out for a run. They have a fairly big garden to be in, and lots of toys. However, the puppy has the habit of destroying things, the lawn, he even goes into the neighbors yard (its separated by a bamboo fence) and eats food. When we have been away for a couple of hours, it has happened that he destroys garden chairs outside, or at night, we let him sleep inside, he climbs the bookshelves and eats books...and so on. Other than that, he has a good personality, playful, loving (does not bark, is not aggressive). I do not understand why this is happening, the older Labrador was never like this when he was younger. What should we do? I read that it is not a good idea to take him to a dog trainer until he is 1-year-old. When he does something wrong, we always tell him. He has learned a couple of words already, like sit, no, out. Regards, Julia

Answer
Here is some advice for reprimanding your dog:

Each time your dog does something you don't approve of...

1. Lay out a flat hand, with your palm facing the floor

2. Curl your fingers, but not to the point of making a fist

3. Now very firmly nudge your dog with your fingers

4. Snap and point at the dog while saying loudly, with a deep voice "Chtt" You must stand up straight, shoulders back, with no fear whatsoever, or your dog will sense it.

Here are some tips for living a happy, balanced life with your new puppy:

1. Take your dog for walks at least twice a day using the Illusion Collar and Leash Set, which can be purchased here: http://cesarmillaninc.com/products/i-collar.php

2. Purchase one of these books (It's not a scam, I have "Cesar's Way" which can be purchased at Target, or the author's official website): http://cesarmillaninc.com/products/books.php

3. Take your new pup to Petsmart for puppy training classes as soon as possible. There is no need to wait.

4. For the best nutrition, feed him Kirkland Signature Chicken, Vegetable, and Rice Large? Breed (Puppy Version)

Thank you!