How to Prevent Destructive Chewing in Labradors

They are playful and energetic by nature; active Labradors can sometimes transfer some of this energy onto your furniture, shoes or any other house leg. Dogs naturally chew something, but this becomes a problem when they discover unacceptable things around your home. Well, there is a way to stop your Lab from destroying all of your property (temporarily, anyway) and focus his energy on more productive activities!

  1. Understand Why Labradors Chew

Just like any other dog breed, Labradors chew for different reasons. Puppy Chews To Explore World and Puppy Christmas Presents Chewing is also a quick-arm for an adult Labrador. It does this out of boredom or as a result of anxiety. So, the first step in preventing your lab’s chewing is understanding why and then giving them appropriate things to chew instead.

Golden Retriever Puppy Chewing on a Stick Puppy laying down chewing on a stick. Understand Why Labradors Chew stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

  1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Giving him a lot of toys will help keep the Labrador from chewing on anything destructive. Bear in mind that people have robust jaws; thus, do not forget to buy power-chewing toys for them. Be sure to switch the toys out often so they always have new ones, and encourage them to chew on these over household objects by showing praise when your dog does what you want.

  1. Prevent Undesirables from Reaching

Avoid even having the items that you know your Labrador is likely to chew accessible. Things like her shoes, books, remote controls (which she thinks are phones,) and furniture edges. If you cut back on these items, your dog will be able to pay better attention to toys and objects they are supposed to chew. For some animals, like medications or items that are dangerous when ingested, others chew for things of higher value in a house (i.e. baby gates or crates to keep them out of rooms where there is something very valuable if chewed up).

  1. Adequate Exercise

Labradors are high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise. Without enough physical activity, they might resort to chewing on things as an outlet for their pent-up energy. Provide regular walks, playtime and running off lead (in a safe area). A tired dog is a good deal less destructive, on average.

  1. Give Mental Stimulation

Labradors are also not having exercise; they canines that need to be stimulated mentally as well pin Mode. Some of puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys and games like hide-and-seek can keep your dog’s mind busy. Engage their brain — If your Labrador is using his brain actively, they are less inclined to chew things, especially out of boredom or frustration.

  1. Teach the “Leave It” Command

If you teach your Labrador the “leave it” command, that could help in keeping those belongings away from your dog’s mouth. Begin teaching them a trade using treats or toys so that they learn to `leave` an object and make the right choice. They could build it up slowly by asking them to stay away from the things they concentrate on more, like shoes or furniture. Practising regularly will help your Labrador to learn what not to chew on.

  1. Bitter Sprays — as a Deterrent

Sprays that taste bitter can be used to coat objects in the home your Lab likes to chew on, like chair legs or shoes. The less flavour of these substances is likely to abstain from chewing on those objects. Use a pet-safe product and spot-test an inconspicuous area before using it on furniture or belongings.

  1. Monitor and Improve Chewing Habits

Keep a close eye on your Lab while at home — especially when you are training! If you do catch your dog in the act of chewing on something they should not be, simply intervene calmly by redirecting it to a chew toy. Do not yell or punish the dog, as he will become anxious, and this can increase his fear. Instead, laud the correct choices with positive reinforcement.

  1. Help During Teething

Labrador puppy chewing toys and Image you have a Labrador puppy, their destructive behaviour may stem from teething discomfort. Chewing provides relief to puppies when their adult teeth come in and relieves the pain it causes. Providing teething-specific toys or frozen-to-tether things for them to chew on can be soothing. When you do this, it will also help keep their gums busy and prevent them from chewing on things around the house that are not allowed.

  1. Address Anxiety or Stress

Destructive Chewing With reference to most Labradors, destructive chewing is an expected behavior and in some cases, an expression of anxiety or stress, especially when they occur at and only at the time the individual is left alone. Because Labradors do tend to suffer from separation anxiety, they may chew as a way of dealing with isolation or inactivity. If you think the inclination stems from anxiety, then some crate Training or providing Interactive Toys might work! Severe anxiety might require you to consult your vet or a dog behaviourist for more specific guidance, so chances are that not all the above methods will be effective.

Conclusion

This is a frequent habit in Labradors, but it is also possible to control. You can stop your Labrador from chewing on anything by knowing why they do this obnoxious behaviour and providing the right ways for them to chew. A few necessary points to consider in kicking this bad habit are providing chew toys, giving enough physical and mental stimulation, teaching commands, as well supervising what your dog does most of the time. By being patient and consistent, you are on the right path to forming better habits for your Lab—and keeping a healthy balance in your home for years.

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