Labrador Chewing

If you'd like to stop Labrador chewing, first you need to appreciate that chewing is an expected behaviour, and perfectly normal for puppies. They will always want to chew on thing, either because they are teething or because of boredom. It's not a matter of actually stopping that chewing, but redirecting it. You need to generate enough things for your dog to do that they will not want to chew up your carpet, slippers, or other things.

Why it's important to stop your Labrador from Chewing

When a Labrador is young, many people assume that they can let the dog continue chewing on whatever they want. It's ordinary, isn't it?? Or instead they confuse their puppy by yelling at it and often cause other types of behavioural problems. In practice, the best response will sit somewhere in between the two extremes, showing your dog that chewing your belongings is not okay, but that there are still plenty of options.

Ways to Stop your Labrador from Chewing Things

When the time arrives when you need to curb your Labrador's chewing patters there are several things you can try. First, it is important not to yell at your dog or strike them for any reason. No matter how angry you get, make sure you don't direct it at a puppy. Not only does it confuse them, they likely will never figure out what they did wrong. Alternatively, you can consider the following actions.

Behaviour Adjustment - Rather than tring to just stop your Labrador chewing your things, show it things that it's allowed to chew. If you find your Labrador chewing the carpet, or a shoe, get the puppy's toy, swap the two and then praise your pet when it starts working on the replaced toy. By doing this you will teach your puppy the difference between the new toy, which is good and the previous item, which is not.

Keep Your Labrador Busy - To stop Labrador chewing, you need to keep them from getting too bored. Even when not teething, a puppy will chew to keep active. It's like reading a book for them. Avoid this by getting them plenty of exercise and playing when you're home. If you're away from the house make sure that they have engaging toys that will keep them distracted.

Crate Training - If your Labrador gets into your things when you're not home, crate train them so they have limited access to the home. Having your puppy stay in just one room while you're out can limit their access, but the same goal should apply.

Aversion Sprays - Fining a dependable, humane spray like Citronella or Cayenne Pepper is an effective way to stop Labrador chewing of thins like cushions or slippers, as they have a taste which the dog will try and avoid. They will quickly associate those items with a bad taste that will keep them from chewing there.

Even though chewing is totally normal for a Labrador, they should never be focussing on things like you or your possessions. If they are, then you should begin focussing them on alternatives.

Being Consistent

In order to properly stop Labrador chewing, you should ensure you maintain consistency in your behaviours. You shouldn't allow your dog to chew on old shoes or boots, if you like to have your clothing around. Don't let them have a stuffed animal as a toy and then expect them to know which stuffed animals are not okay. As their master, you should set strict rules and stick to them. Your dog will learn quickly enough and the chewing will be far less of a problem.