I was wondering what to do about my lab chewing up shoes? I have also seen him chewing up sticks outside when we let him out. any ideas to stop this would be helpful.
2007-02-11 06:11:19 · 13 answers · asked by Dave W 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You don't mention the age of your dog. If he is a pup, he is teething. Chewing is a way to relieve the discomfort of new teeth coming in. This occurs (second teething) at about 6 to 8 months of age.
If your dog is much older than that, then the teething stage has developed into a bad habit. This means the chewing turned from a comfort to a nervous habit that you will now have to break.
Not only should you limit access to chewable valuables, but you will have to give the dog something appropriate to replace those items. Something like a nyla bone (they come plain or flavored) will help to exercise the jaws and gums, something that every dog needs.
You will need to work with your dog too. You will need to redirect him whenever he reaches for an inappropriate item to chew.
Also, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Just letting him out whenever he needs to go is not enough exercise for a lab. They love to retreive, so get out there with your dog and play that retreive game. About twenty minutes twice a day to start would be sufficient. Labs need alot of the right kind of attention to keep them on the right behavior path.
Good Luck, and enjoy your Lab! They are really great dogs!
2007-02-11 06:25:03 · answer #1 · answered by Pixie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you should do is put all the things you don't want to be chewed up it a place your dog can't find.They chew your shoes because it has your scent,and for the sticks try playing fetch with the sticks.Then you should go to the pet store and get him a lot of hard,but not too hard chew toys.That should do it.
2007-02-11 14:20:41 · answer #2 · answered by Fred 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting your shoes away in a closet and making sure the door is closed after you've taken them off. Then buy your dog some 'chewy bones' make of rawhide that are 'the right size for him' at any good pet store or grocery store. Your dog 'chews' shoes and sticks to 'brush his teeth' and because 'chewing' is something dogs 'like to do' ... but chewing shoes inside and 'sticks' outside can make your dog really 'sick' and can even 'kill him' if he gets a 'sharp piece' that punctures his insides.
2007-02-11 14:18:21 · answer #3 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uhrmm least ur dog chews sticks n shoes...mine luvs to chew n eat anythin!! mine's a dobie bout 1yr + n when i 1st got him, he ate anythin that he cud reach..pens,coins,nuts ( from screws ) all sorts of things ( i noticed it when i clean his poop, he even luvs to chew on lighters! But now he doesnt do it anymore prolly bcoz i've gotten him tons of toys,nylon bones ( coz rawhide isnt good for dogs i've learned ) n those strong rubber toys that he can spend hours keepin ur dog occupied..i know mine can chew on his nylonbone for hrs on end! :p or i tink u can find those sprays that repels dogs from chewin ur things,seen em in petshops , good luck wid ur lab!!
2007-02-11 14:39:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didnt say how old he was ??? if a puppy hes teething, give him chews when you see him tearing things apart which he shouldnt, if older use the "no"!! method when you see him maybe use a squirt bottle at the same time just make sure your timings good good luck
2007-02-11 14:16:19 · answer #5 · answered by tinkstaffy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is insecure, he need your attention, the next thing your dog will do is pee on your sofa or your bed, keep locking your dog in the house is not a solution, try to walk your dog daily, for about half a hour, show him it is not ok to chew shoe (do not beat him, it won't help).
This is a good show: http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/
2007-02-11 14:28:57 · answer #6 · answered by @!# 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He chews up your shoes because they smell like you and he loves you. He does not know he is doing anything wrong.
2007-02-11 14:20:22 · answer #7 · answered by oldmanwitastick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well the best thing to do is to buy your lab toys to chew sometimes that does not work i know. It sounds like a puppy becasue older labs don't oftenly do that when they have toys/dog bones. i myself spank my lab/mix and hand him his bone everytime he does it or i keep him in a kennel when i'm not home watching him.
2007-02-11 14:41:05 · answer #8 · answered by Holly R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him bones and kong toys. My adult labs and puppy absolutly love them. Pick up the sticks in the yard because if he swallows some it can put a splinter in his digestive system and cause internal bleeding.
2007-02-11 14:23:05 · answer #9 · answered by volleyball_lover_nmbr31 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him some chew toys and rawhide chews.
2007-02-11 15:36:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋