My 8 week old female yellow Lab is chewing everything! Help?

Question

We knew she would chew, and understandably, she is a puppy. She is chewing everything (sandals, sneakers, paper, pillows, blankets, wires, controllers, etc.) We did get her chew toys that the vet recommended, but she chews on everything. We dont really mind, and are being patient with her. We are also trying to clean up all the potentially dangerous things from her reach (wires, plastic,...), but I was wondering when she would outgrow this habit. Also, when I play with her she is chewing and nipping my fingers, arms, and feet. She is a fairly calm pup, but when she gets wild its tough, and when I try to physically play with her this is when she begins to nip me. It seems her jaws are getting stronger and stronger every day, and today she drew blood. I do not know what to do, I feel like pushing her with force off of me but i know that a) that will not accomplish anything, and b) I'd never hit a dog. Im thinking of putting something on my hands that doesnt taste good, so when she bites

so when she bites she wont like the taste and let go. Something like bitter apple, or vinegar or something. We do take her out plenty doing the day, and spend hours with her outside, so she is getting her energy out positively. Well, if u have any suggestions please share. I do not want this to develop into a habit when shes an adult.

The way i usually get her off of me is by prying open her jaws with my free hand, but she keeps coming back for more. She is a very sweet and playful pup, and she is learning very quickly and responsively.

Answer 1

she is teething and you should get her a teething to or something

Answer 2

I was wondering if you play rough with your pup???

Puppies need boundaries. The only play she should be doing with you is fetch and maybe holding a chew toy in your hand for her to attack.

Also, if she is not kennel trained, please do so. It provides for a safe soothing environment and she will learn to go there if she gets too excited and needs a time out.

Bitter apple sprays are good for furniture and stuff you don't want her to chew on.

Don't giver her an opportunity to use your hand as a chew toy, she may bite someone when she is older.
She will only outgrow the behavior when you make her stop the behavior. Get a whistle and use it with the "no" command. Blow the whistle twice and quietly, say no. Be strong but quiet when you say it.

And when she is stunned, praise her with "good girl" and give her a piece of a treat.

You keep at it, and in no time, you will have an obedient puppy.

Remember, you need to create the behavior you want her to follow and be persistent.

Answer 3

Stop giving her water 3 hours before bed and take her out right before you crate her. You need to ignore her cries for attention at night-they have a hold me cry and a I have to pee cry so you will need to listen closely to each. The pee cry is more high pitched. If she is messing in the crate it may be too big for her since dogs usually don't mess where they sleep so try putting up a partition of some sort. Yes absolutely take her out even if she has messed and say go potty. By 8 weeks old she should be able to go 3-4 hours without messing. Take her out and put her right back in the crate without giving her the attention she is looking for other than good job (whether she peed or not when you bring her in). She should stop whining after a week or 2 and potty training all depends on how consistent you are with her. I trained my Dane in a little over a week but some take longer some shorter. Any training requires consistency by everyone in the family-say the same words every time and do the same thing every time. Good luck and ask again if you need anymore info:>)

Answer 4

Don't let her bite you, this could turn into a very bad habit. Sounds like her gums are really hurting from teething. Take a wash cloth or two and soak them in water, ring them out and stick them in the freezer. Once frozen give that to her to chew on and it will sooth her gums. You may also soak then in chicken broth for taste. When she is chewing something she shouldn't like hands, feet objects, tell her no and give her a frozen cloth. You have then turned a negative behavior into a positive one. Having a puppy is a lot of work in the beginning, but all worth it with the end result. Good luck and congrats on your new puppy;^)

Answer 5

Sounds like you are on the right track. Lots of patience is needed for sure! Puppies don't come pre-programmed knowing what is acceptable to chew on and what isn't! Every time she tries to pick up something she shouldn't, say "NO" and give her one of her toys. Praise her when she takes it. It seems like you'll do this hundreds of times a day! Make sure she has lot's of chew toys, especially safe American made Rawhide chews. Pups like labs will teeth for 6-8 months or longer. They can be lifelong chewers. Many dogs find great enjoyment in chewing throughout their lives, but it's up to us to teach them what is OK or not. As far as your hands, do not play hand games with her. If she nips shout "OUCH", get up, and walk away from her immediately. She must learn that teeth on human flesh hurts and it will end any play time. Be consistent and she will soon get the message. If you can, please get Dr. Ian Dunbar's book "After You Get Your Puppy". It is a little paperback stuffed with wonderful info on training your new pup and includes biting/chewing/socialization etc. It's a must for every new dog owner!!!!

Answer 6

I understand totally what you're going through, I've had a Collie, a German Shepherd, and a Golden Retriever, and helped train my aunt's two labs. As pups, Labs are known as the 'destroyer' of the puppy world, and they DO chew on everything. Vinegar and pepper are great things to put on things like shoes, chords, and things you know you can put it on, but for other things, when you catch her doing it, say "NO!" loudly to startle her away from it, then give her a toy she's allowed to chew on, and praise her when she starts to play/chew on that. That develops the habit of, "It's good to chew on My toys, and not my owners."
As for when she's biting/nipping you, play with her as you would normally, and when she starts to bite/nip, say "OW" or "NO" loudly, pull away from her, and stop playing. If it continues, grab her firmly by the muzzle, holding her mouth shut, and say, "NO" loudly at her, then discontinue playing. She will eventually get the idea, and learn it's not okay.

And good for you, getting the other harms out of the way, the best way to avoid an accident is to prevent it.
I hope this helps, and always remember, consistency an patience always work better. :D

Answer 7

Sounds like she's getting over excited regarding the biting. Touching is a stimulant. Say NO and stop playing with her. Avoid eye contact too. The chewing is a different thing, I really can't help there.

Answer 8

you have to show the dog what she is doing is wrong. punish if you must. If you continue to let her chew on everything, i don't think she will grow out of it. she will accept it as normal and keep on doing it. especially if you "don't really mind".

train the dog by pushing it around a little. sounds harsh, but it does work. e.g. if you push a dog off the sofa, eventually it will learn that it is not allowed on the sofa. pushing isn't hitting the dog either, nor is it doing anything that will harm the dog. unless you force the dog into something, which i doubt a loving pet owner would.

Answer 9

She's probably teething, in other words her teeth our coming in. When her teeth are in and are fully grown in she should stop. Although if this still goes in when her teeth are in yell NO at her when she chews. Also try going to a pet store and get interesting chew toys she would be more interested in.

Answer 10

Crate train your dog. It worked for me. She chewed on everything. As for the nipping and bitting, use the shock factor. Yell ouch or oww when she gets ahold of your hand.
Then tell her no or no bite.
Kat

Answer 11

at the local pet store (petco) there is a spray for puppies called bitter works (sour apple) and you spray it anywhere hes chewing where you dont want him to, its not harmful and works great.