How do i train my 4 month old yellow lab to stop tearing down my house??

Question

MY YELLOW LAB IS 4 MONTHS OLD.EVERY TIME I LEAVE HIM ALONE HE TEARS UP EVERYTHING.SOFA,CHAIRS,SUROUND SOUND.SHOULD I GET RID OF HIM OR CAN HE BE TRAINED?

Answer 1

Labs have a lot of energy, especially puppies. Did the breeder not go over this with you?

You can try crate training him, but crate should really only be used for 4-5 hours at a time, if you use them daily. If you have to leave the dog for longer than this, consider getting him into doggie day care.

But, honestly, if your first thought is to dump the dog, then you should place the dog with lab rescue. At 4 months old, it will be easy for them to find him a good home rather quickly. http://www.thelabradorclub.com/rescue/searchrescue.php

Answer 2

Sure, the dog can be trained. Get a crate, get a book on dog training, enroll in obedience classes WITH the dogs.

The problem is people get cute lab puppies and think they magically come trained and ready to live in a human house. The dog only knows what you have taught it, which appears to be nothing.

You need to wake up and give the pup the time and attention it needs as if it were a human baby...you need to teach it what is acceptable and what is not, which toys are his, and when you can't supervise 100%, the pup is crated.

Otherwise, it probably is better that you rehome the pup.

Answer 3

he is a puppy for well over one year, boredom, lack of training, lack of exercise; love, patience, training and supervision; a toddler would tear up stuff if left alone; he is a puppy , a baby ; you can't take the responsiblity of an animal and then say get rid of him; if you feel like this ; find him a better home and give him a break for a better life. That is why you need to know what you are getting into before getting a puppy; they live for 12 years ; are you in for the long haul ; a good adult dog had a good trainer/owner.

Answer 4

Crate train him or enroll him in a doggie day care. It's natural that your puppy wants to chew and exercise and without supervision and training he can't be expected to realize what things he shouldn't chew. You can get chew toys for him like a Kong, large Nylabones etc that he can chew on and leave some choices of chewables out for him. You can get product to spray on your sofa to make chewing that something that is not palatable but he will likely find something, even a wall to chew on if unsupervised at that age.
If you crate train him, he can't chew on stuff but would need to get out for exercise if you are at work for several hrs.
There are services where people can come to your house and take your dog for a walk and exercise period. There are Doggie Day Cares where your dog will get regular exercise and care while you are not home and that will also spare your furniture.
In time, and with training your dog will quit chewing the wrong things. Once the permanent teeth grow in, there can still be a chewing phase but this will pass with training and supervision and using a crate if needed for when you can't supervise.
I have a Pit Bull mix who chewed a hole in a wall. She was attracted to wall chewing and had to be sternly redirected and supervised and in a kennel cab when I was not home. She is past that stage since she was a year old.
GL with your dog. Check with a dog trainer on this issue if you can't seem to resolve it. All puppies go through chewing stages.
Just like toddlers will put fingers in light sockets or outlets if they are able to get to it.

Answer 5

THE DOG DOESN'T NEED TRAINING, YOU DO! She is only 4 months old. You can't leave her home alone yet. I cant believe you thought you should get rid of the animal. You must lovingly and take the time to perhaps have the dog get used to staying in one room or a restricted area of the house, if you must leave the animal for a short time. But do not leave this young dog for more than a couple hours at a time. If you cannot devote the time it takes to raise this puppy right, you shouldn't have gotten it. You cant get a baby and leave it alone !

Answer 6

well he is probably tearing up the house because your gone, so crate training is your best bet. if you do have a fenced in yard and he has all his current shots, then go ahead and use that. but crate training is the most effective method. also you should pen him inside a small room if you are going to be gone for hours at a time. give him lots a toys and access to a bathroom. get some books for more tips. and ask your vet.

Answer 7

Of course he can be trained but you need to train him. He can't train himself. First off, get a crate to confine him when you are gone. Call a dog trainer or attend classes with your dog.

Answer 8

Please get a crate for your dog and confine him when you can't supervise him. Your dog has already shown you what a bad idea it is to leave a puppy unsupervised - I'm amazed that your dog hasn't hurt himself.
Get a crate and learn how to use it. Make that crate a great place to be - feed him in there, and only let him have his chewies (rawhides, bully sticks, etc) when he's in there. Here are directions:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/crate2.html

Answer 9

Crate training. Go to your local pet store and talk to a KNOWLEDGABLE employee and ask them crating your dog. Dogs don't mind crates if done properly, they are naturally burrowing animals and are comfortable in confined spaces. Problem solved.

Answer 10

CRATE!! Especially a lab it will eat it till its gone. The latest one I just rescue we have named T.W. Eaty cause she eats everything. Her name was tweety but once we got to know her this is much more appropriate.

He is only four months if you dont' crate the damage is going to be worse each time!!