Labradors are known for being friendly, playful, and energetic, but like many puppies and even adult dogs, they may develop a habit of chewing on furniture, shoes, or personal items. This is a natural instinct, especially for puppies who are teething, but it can be a frustrating and destructive behavior if not managed properly.
In this guide, we will explore why Labradors chew, how to prevent destructive chewing, and effective solutions for redirecting their chewing behavior.
Why Do Labradors Chew?
Chewing is a normal and natural behavior for dogs. However, when it becomes destructive, it can be problematic. Here are the most common reasons why Labradors chew:
1. Teething (Puppies)
Puppies go through a teething phase between 3 and 6 months of age, which causes discomfort. Chewing helps relieve this pain by massaging their gums.
2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
Labradors are highly active dogs that need both mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t get enough exercise or engagement, they may chew to alleviate boredom.
3. Anxiety and Stress
Some Labradors chew when they are anxious, stressed, or nervous. This is often seen in dogs that have separation anxiety or fear-based chewing habits.
4. Exploration and Curiosity
Labradors are curious by nature. They often chew on furniture, shoes, or other items simply to explore their environment, especially when they are puppies or in a new setting.
5. Attention-Seeking
If a Labrador learns that chewing on certain objects gets a reaction from their owners (whether positive or negative), they may continue the behavior to gain attention.
6. Lack of Proper Training
If your Labrador has never been taught what is appropriate to chew on, they may assume that anything within reach is fair game.
Understanding the root cause of the chewing behavior will help you address it effectively.
How to Prevent Your Labrador from Chewing on Furniture and Personal Items
1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
One of the most effective ways to prevent your Labrador from chewing on your furniture and personal items is to provide plenty of appropriate chew toys.
- Choose durable toys made from non-toxic materials. Rubber toys like KONGs or Nylabones are great options.
- Provide different textures to keep your dog engaged. Some dogs prefer soft toys, while others enjoy hard, rubbery textures.
- Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting and fresh.
2. Redirect Chewing to Toys
If your Labrador starts chewing on furniture or personal items, don’t scold them immediately. Instead, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy.
- Say “No” firmly but calmly when you catch them chewing on something they shouldn’t.
- Immediately offer the toy and praise them when they begin chewing on it instead.
- Consistently redirect them each time they start chewing on something inappropriate.
3. Use Deterring Sprays
There are special sprays available that have an unpleasant taste but are safe for dogs. These sprays can be applied to furniture or personal items that your Labrador tends to chew on.
- Spray the affected areas with a bitter-tasting spray like Bitter Apple.
- This will make the object unpleasant to chew on, and your Labrador will eventually stop.
However, it’s important to not rely solely on these sprays—redirecting to chew toys and providing stimulation is also necessary.
4. Increase Exercise and Stimulation
A tired dog is less likely to chew destructively. Labradors require regular physical and mental exercise to keep them engaged and content.
- Daily walks and runs are essential for burning off excess energy.
- Interactive playtime with games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek will provide mental stimulation.
- Puzzle toys can keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated while you’re busy.
By providing sufficient exercise, you’ll reduce the likelihood of destructive chewing due to boredom.
5. Train Basic Commands
Training your Labrador to follow basic commands like “Leave it” or “Drop it” can help prevent destructive chewing.
- Teach “Leave it” so that your Labrador learns to leave objects alone when you say so.
- Teach “Drop it” to help when your dog picks up something inappropriate.
- Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) when your Labrador obeys the command.
These commands can prevent your dog from picking up items that they shouldn’t chew on in the first place.
6. Manage Anxiety and Stress
If your Labrador’s chewing is caused by anxiety, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate the stress:
- Crate training can provide a safe space where your dog feels secure when left alone.
- Leave calming items such as a blanket with your scent or a chew toy to reduce anxiety.
- Consider puzzle feeders or interactive toys that keep your dog engaged and distracted.
- If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety, consult a veterinarian or professional trainer for additional advice and solutions.
7. Use Positive Reinforcement
As with any dog training, positive reinforcement is crucial. Praise your Labrador immediately when they chew on appropriate items and refrain from destructive chewing.
- Reward with treats or play when they choose a chew toy over furniture.
- Give plenty of praise when they leave personal items alone.
- Reinforcing the right behavior helps your Labrador understand what is acceptable.
8. Avoid Punishment for Chewing
Punishing your Labrador for chewing can create confusion and anxiety. Instead, focus on redirecting the behavior to appropriate chew toys.
- Never hit or yell at your dog for chewing—this can cause fear and stress, leading to more destructive behavior.
- Always remain calm and consistent in your training approach.
9. Puppy-Proof Your Home
If your Labrador is a puppy, you can take preventive measures to reduce their access to tempting objects:
- Use baby gates to block off areas where you don’t want your puppy to roam.
- Remove valuable or fragile items from low tables or reachable areas.
- Place items out of reach to prevent chewing on things like shoes, electrical cords, or furniture legs.
How Long Does It Take to Stop a Labrador from Chewing?
With consistency, patience, and the right techniques, most Labradors can learn to stop chewing on furniture and personal items within 2-4 weeks. Puppies may take longer, especially if they are teething. Older dogs might need more time if they’ve developed a habit of destructive chewing.
Final Thoughts
Chewing is a natural behavior for Labradors, but it’s important to teach them what is appropriate to chew on and what isn’t. By providing chew toys, using redirection techniques, increasing exercise, and reinforcing good behavior, you can help your Labrador stop chewing on furniture and personal items.
With patience and consistency, your Labrador will learn what is acceptable to chew and what isn’t. In the end, your dog will be happier, healthier, and more content with the right outlets for their chewing instincts.