Chewing

kelkat · 08-29-2006, 10:59 PM

Our black lab just got out of the chewing stage, but a blonde lab has wandered up and joined our clan. He's still in the chewing stage so I'm back to that place where I never know what will be in two pieces when I get home. (This week it was my soaker hose for my garden). Is there any magic trick to make this guy STOP?

Alpha · 08-29-2006, 11:25 PM

Yes......

Crate him!

Everytime you come home you know that he'll be in his crate

But don't leave anything on top of the crate! I made that mistake and came home to find one of my favourite sweaters I'd thrown on top of his kennel shredded

DFrost · 08-30-2006, 07:24 AM

Crating is a quick fix and a measure to ensure he doesn't destroy anything until you train him not to chew. To train, redirect the chewing to something he is permitted to chew. Favorite toy etc should be given each time you see him pick something up he shouldn't have. Don't make a big deal of it, just replace or redirect that behavior.

DFrost

Alpha · 08-30-2006, 01:54 PM

Crating is not a quick fix.

You cannot redirect when your not home unless your some kind of magician

Crating ensures that they won't destroy stuff when your not home, or get into anything that could potentially harm them when your not there.

Redirection only works if the dog chews when your around. My boy did not chew on anything when I was home, but was destructive if he was left alone uncrated.

So, it's kind of hard to train a dog to not chew, when they never chew in your presence.

Many dogs have separation anxiety issues, and use destructive behaviours as their outlet.

kelkat · 08-30-2006, 02:23 PM

Crating isn't really an option. We live on a farm in the country and the dogs run free. I've tried the give them something they are permitted to chew idea, but they just look at the toy like I've lost my mind

. Just like a guy, wants what he can't have!

Ragmop53 · 08-30-2006, 06:16 PM

If your dog is a puppy he's gonna chew. I guess about the only way to solve this problem is to pick up everything in you yard, garden hose, gloves, boots, etc, etc.
I have a 7month old puppy and he's a chewer...all the time. I'm hoping he will outgrow it in the next few years.

Take Care
Ragmop53

OwnedBySix · 08-30-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelkat

Crating isn't really an option. We live on a farm in the country and the dogs run free. I've tried the give them something they are permitted to chew idea, but they just look at the toy like I've lost my mind

. Just like a guy, wants what he can't have!

If he's still in the chewing stage, I would be much more concerned with the dog getting into something harmful than ruining my things that I didn't put away.

Alpha · 08-30-2006, 07:35 PM

I hope that they aren't left outside loose unattended... I've heard horror stories.

As ownedbysix said, I'd also be worried about the dog eating poisonous plants, chemicals, lethal stuff...

DFrost · 08-31-2006, 07:14 AM

<<<Crating is a quick fix and a measure to ensure he doesn't destroy anything until you train him not to chew>>>

Crating is a measure that is successful to use until the dog is trained not to chew. It certainly is quick, the dog can't chew while he's in the crate. When the owner is available, the behavior can be redirected.

None the less it's a moot point with this particular dog. The poster stated crating is not an option. If that is the case, then the best you can really hope for is, redirect when you are available and wait for maturation.

DFrost

kelkat · 08-31-2006, 07:44 PM

I know they out grow it and that chewing is a part of the lab personality, but I was hoping someone had found the magic button to make it stop. Oh well. We'll just keep picking up and reminding everyone not to leave shoes and what not laying around. At least I know there is an end to the madness.

Crississippi · 09-01-2006, 08:31 AM

My boy chewed EVERYTHING! We tried everything, and nothing worked. Then, we moved into our new place and he hasn't touched a thing since. He still eats cat poop and picks up lint off of the floor, but he just lost interest in our shoes and such.

I guess it really is a stage...your pooch will more than likely decide on his own that he is done destroying your stuff.

kelkat · 09-02-2006, 04:02 PM

I know, I know. It doesn't hurt to ask, though. We went through two years of having things stolen and chewed and then Bo stopped. Then Luke showed up and things started missing again. It was habit to blame Bo, until we caught Luke in the act. He always looks sorry, but I don't think he is

.

Swissmiss · 09-02-2006, 09:18 PM

My previous dog wasn't crated in the house and he chewed everything that belonged to me, picture frames, shoes, belts etc. for 2 years and then he magically stopped. For two Christmas' I came home from work everynight to find my Christmas tree on the floor and oriments eaten or broken.

kelkat · 09-04-2006, 01:56 PM

I know chewing is part of the labs nature (my whole family is into hunting so there have been lots of labs in our family). Maybe one of these days someone will come up with a scent or sound or something that will break them of the habit before they have to run the course. That person would become rich over night.