My 1 year old rescue lab like to put its sleeping mat in its mouth and shake it like mad and chew it ???

Answer 1

It is normal behaviour for a youngster, as they consider it play. It's nature's way of preparing the "wolf" for the hunt. If they were wild, this would be the way they would kill the prey, by grabbing it by the throat and shaking it madly.

You need to teach him, that matt's don't need to be "killed".

Put a little treat in front of his nose and say "give". So with the left hand you take the matt from him, and with the right hand you give him the reward food.

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Answer 2

My dog sleeps on a pillow and we did the same thing we do with stuffed toys we took it away when he would chew on it (for the toys only when he tried to rip them) then he quit chewing on it most of the time every once in awhile he will try to sneak and shake it but he stops the minute I look at him.

Answer 3

It sounds like it thinks the mat is a toy--my lab/Weimeraner mix loves to do the same thing with her tennis ball bone. Maybe she/he needs a different toy, one that she will like better than the mat.

Answer 4

The dog is just playing. As long as it is not harming him then let him do it or else he may start to chew on your blankets. Also, buy some toys such as ropes and stuffed animals with squeakers in them.

Answer 5

call that dog whispere dude..

actually obediance training will take care of most things. Usually 2 weeks.

You could probably buy abook, and just repeat the comands everyday till he learns it. They even say it makes pets happier to be trained.

Answer 6

that's his way of playing, buy him some chew toys
or other dog toys , I know the hug rope w/ a knot
@ each end is a good toy

Answer 7

he is just playing , replace with some appropriate toys, rotate them to prevent boredom; get more challenging ones ; ones that he has to really work at it to get the treat; exercise him ; it is play