[Bender2019]

Hello All, we recently adopted a 4yo black lab/pit mix. He has a wonderful temperament and we’re happy to have found such a good match for our family. He does have an annoying habit that we are trying to break and have not been successful. Whenever someone sits on the couch he get a toy and puts it on their lap, their feet, or on the couch to chew the toy. He is not allowed on the couch and does well that. He does chew toys and play outside of this scenario as well and that is great but this habit is annoying when we are trying to relax. Any good ideas on how to change this would be much appreciated. TIA!

 

[Knute]

Yep......the dog wants to play. More walking or playing will help. Burn off the energy, lab/pit mix can be a higher level of energy.

To break the habit, jus ignore the dog when the toy lands in your lap. Don't touch the toy, don't talk to the dog, just ignore. Soon, he will understand this isn't the way to get your attention and will stop.

 

[Bender2019]

Yep......the dog wants to play. More walking or playing will help. Burn off the energy, lab/pit mix can be a higher level of energy.

To break the habit, jus ignore the dog when the toy lands in your lap. Don't touch the toy, don't talk to the dog, just ignore. Soon, he will understand this isn't the way to get your attention and will stop.

Thanks for the advice! We’ll give it a try.

 

[Bender2019]

Thanks for the advice! We’ll give it a

Question: After ignoring him and he goes to chew toys on his bed, should we praise him, give him treats, or anything for chewing on his bed? Or would that make him think we’re ready to play?

 

[Knute]

I would say to just let him be. He won't be able to connect the reward to the behavior.

 

[Tater33]

Our dog is a 4yo beagle/ black lab/pit mix too and she does the same thing. She weighs 40#. It's annoying when she does it but ignoring it doesn't make her stop. She pushes the toys onto the couches to re-align the toy toy make it squeak better. She knows not to go on the couches, but we can't stop her from doing this with toys, or standing and putting her front paws up there.
What can be done if ingoring doesn't stop it?