Someone told me that the chewing would taper off around the time they were 2 years old. We've spent a fortune in chew toys, but they prefer the good stuff....like furniture, clothing, tiki torches....etc....
So is 2 yrs the magic number for this to end? Is this pretty much the truth or does anyone know different....?
2006-08-21 15:14:20 · 15 answers · asked by cypress9silver 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If walkinglady has any influence here....I need to bump it.
I am home...do not work. The pups are being trained, worked with and loved. They go outside. 3 boys and me are around constantly playing, feeding, cleaning. They come inside often....
When I have to pay attention to trivial things such as dinner, bill paying, bathing....they chew....if I catch them, I correct them....
Tonight, I took one sponge, detergent and a bucket out back to clean the sides of our house. I walked inside for 1 minute to get my youngest human child a drink. When I came back out, the puppy had my cleaning sponge shredded....right in the midst of 3 kids playing and paying attention....
So, I understand you may love animals and may naturally place blame on humans. But you took a simple question, insulted me, and you are wrong.
2006-08-21 15:50:36 · update #1
okay...I'll edit one more time....my labs have two fenced acres to run on and safely play in...When I got them there were no fences.....realizing I live on a dangerous road....I brought the posts and rails home...my husband and I laid 500ft of fencing....not our whole property, just the best part....our neighbor is a jackarse who has had 10 puppies killed on the road...we got ours covered...lots of space, lots of exercise...my question was solely about the chewing...nothing else...
2006-08-21 17:58:48 · update #2
All dogs are different. There are quiete a few bitter apple sprays on the market that are fairly inexpensive and won't harm the fabrics or woodwork in your home. Plus it'n not harmful to the dog. I used Grannicks brand and the line more on that product is:
http://dogs.about.com/cs/toppicks/gr/bitter_apple_gr.htm
My dog kept chewing on the wooden legs of our couch all the time, she never outgrew it, but the spray did the trick. We tride "punishing" the dog by putting in her kennel after being caught etc, but nothing worked. I would definately give the spray a try. If that doesn't work contact your vet for help. Good Luck
2006-08-21 15:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by Nygirlgonesouth 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dogs get a lot of satisfaction from chewing. It is part of their nature. Chewing is not a bad thing, as long as you have trained your dog what is acceptable for it to chew on, and what is not. Chewing helps clean their teeth and keeps their gums healthy, plus it relieves stress and boredom. While most do tend to slow down on chewing as they mature, it greatly depends on the individual dog. Some are voracious chewers their entire life.
If your dog is chewing up things that you don't want it to, I'd suggest spending more time with your dog. An obedience training class would be good since working breeds tend to like useful activity, and make sure you are giving your dog plenty of exercise by playing ball, going for walks, going for swims, etc.
You'll have a much happier dog and one that won't chew you out of house and home.
2006-08-21 22:29:10 · answer #2 · answered by working_dogz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chewing should have tapered off around the time they finished teething. These dogs sound like they are totally bored, frustrated and have absolutely no leadership from the humans in their house.
You need to teach these dogs that you are the pack leader. They probably need a lot more exercise than they are getting, mental stimulation in the way of obedience work, agility, flyball, catching a frisbee, whatever these dogs like to do.
If they chew things, why are they not in crates when no one's home? These dogs likely won't stop unless and until they're taught the rules. Give them a lot more to do to overcome their boredom and you should see an improvement, until crate them when no one's home.
2006-08-21 22:23:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you will look on the internet under "Labradors", you can read all about the breed. I did read about them because I have 2 of them.
It says on the net that Labs are somewhat slow to mature and usually chew and drag things around in the yard and things like that until they are about 3 years old. Also Labs are very energetic because they are bred to be hunting dogs. Labs really need a big area to run and play or you will continue having problems because your dog is bored.
2006-08-21 23:43:29 · answer #4 · answered by just guessing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs stop the chewing by 1-2 years old. some later some sooner. Just keep working with your dog to control the chewing. Try bitter spray on items you don't want the dog to chew
2006-08-21 22:21:42 · answer #5 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know your home all day but other than the chew toys and your kids what are you doing for the chewing?
Most dogs chew out of boredom .. try walking them at least an hour a day if you cant than try buying them doggy back packs and weight them down when taking them for a walk .. I have a 1yr old with separation problems and when I got him the back pack and made sure he walked at the very least 1/2 hr a day it stopped! I swear!
2006-08-22 00:02:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's what I've heard too from breeders and those who have Labs. I currently have a Labradoodle, (half lab, half standard poodle and they are much the same) We are crate training our dog and watch her constantly when she is out of the crate. Don't let her get started chewing on things she shouldn't. Keep trying to substitute something you want them to chew on for something you don't wanted chewed on.
2006-08-21 22:25:43 · answer #7 · answered by CB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes i know first hand how bad labs are about this sort of thing. OMG we had one along time ago and she tore up our couch one day while we were gone among other things but she was when she got a bit older one of the best dogs we ever had.
2006-08-21 23:24:45 · answer #8 · answered by sammy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They calm down after a while, our golden lab chewed up the fender on my husband's motorcycle (he was SO popular!) when he was about 2 years old and now we are lucky if he lifts his head if somebody comes through the front gate! :)
2006-08-21 22:22:40 · answer #9 · answered by iluvafrica 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We got ours black lab a Kong .She loves it . Also I buy bones from the butcher . I think it is just in their breed . It seems to slow down as they get older . My in laws lab doesnt chew like our 15 month old does . In fact he doesnt at all now :) Give loves and praise
2006-08-21 22:40:29 · answer #10 · answered by iamblessed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋