Labrador Retriever puppy chewing everything (part two)

This is part two of an email from Jayne, who is having a problem with her Labrador Retriever puppy chewing everything.


Hi Fay, how are you. Lilly is 15 mouths old we got her from a breeder when she was 12 weeks old we exercise her for half a hour a day we got two kids and she play football with my son Alex in the garden. She is not left a lone much as I am not working we have just had her spaded hope to hear from you soon Jayne

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Jayne,

Thanks for quick response; let’s see what we can do.

First off, many Labs are terrible with chewing things. Lilly is not the first and definitely won't be the last. Chewing is normal for her age, with her permanent teeth getting settled by chewing.

Make sure that your home is dog proofed, with nothing lying around that she can get to.

One of the best solutions I can recommend is the crate (a question I forgot to ask you). Believe me, your home and all its possessions will be much safer when you are away. I know you said Lilly is not alone much, but for the time she is, the crate will be a tremendous help.

Just because your home with Lilly doesn't mean you can watch her every single second. In the blink of an eye, our lovable Labs can get into mischief. If you’re doing something in another part of the house bring Lilly with you. Keep her in with a gate across the room or shutting the door, this way you can keep an eye on her.

When you see Lilly start to chew the wrong thing, simply say "Leave It" or "Drop It" in a firm voice while maintaining eye contact until she drops it. Immediately pick up one of Lilly's favorite toys, and give it to her. When she starts to chew it, softly praise her. Jayne, this will take time, consistency and love.

Make sure you have plenty of good solid toys for her and that these toys are large enough that the particular dog can't get them into the throat.

Last but not least Jayne, make sure Lilly gets her exercise, and plenty of it, as it is essential for her.

Plenty of patience and supervision is the key here. Please let me know if this helps and keep me informed of how it is going. If you have any more questions on this or anything else, don't hesitate to ask.

Fay

Part one

Tags: Labrador Retriever, Labrador Retriever chewing, dog chewing

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