Q: We have a 3 year old Lab with boundless energy. We walk him daily and play ball with him yet nothing seems to tire him out. Also he has begun to steal things from us like the remote control forcing us to chase him around the house and wrestle it from him. Do you have any suggestions first on how to drain some of his energy and second how to regain control of the remote?

A: Well if you were looking for an energetic breed of dog you have certainly picked the right one. Labradors are infamous for their never ending supply of energy. However, they are also very intelligent dogs who need to stimulate their minds not just their bodies. When you take him for a walk make sure that you are walking him not the other way around. Keep him in a follower mentality where he has to focus on you and where you are going and a leisurely stroll quickly becomes a mission. You are not merely walking anymore, you’re migrating. Now you have a goal. And when your dog has a goal, accomplishing that goal (even if it’s just to make it around the block) becomes far more important than just getting a little exercise. Often, adding a backpack with some light weights such as a water bottle for each of you, will add to his sense of purpose giving him an important job to do. Even playing ball can stimulate his mind when done properly. Instead of just throwing the ball over and over again, why not make him earn it by performing some obedience exercises each time before he gets to chase down the ball. This will help keep his basic obedience skills in top form as well as turn the ball into something he can earn rather than just run around after.

Stealing the remote is what we call a learned behavior. He has discovered that if he takes something off the table, you will start playing with him. Remember, you may be angry that you’re missing your favorite episode of “House”, but to your dog running around and wrestling with you is a blast. To alter this behavior, you first need to remove his reward. It’s not the remote he wants, it’s you and your attention. Begin by replacing the remote with something safer for him like a nylabone or a greenie. This time when you dog steals the “remote” off the table just ignore him. If it’s not fun for him anymore, he will soon tire of his unwanted behavior.

This article was published April 12, 2009 on Page 3 of the Sunday Sentinel