My dog is driving me nutz!!!

[HugeDuckFan1]

I have a 10 month old Black Lab whose favorite past time is chewing up my things. In the last week he has gone through a drill, saw, shop vac, his kennnel (which he is in for about 2-3hrs a week), part of my truck, ect... He seems to be fond of electrical wiring. Is there any secret to getting him not to chew on things? I have swatted him on the butt a time or two and after reading through here I realize that he won't learn from that. I really need help!!

A few more dog details....he (and a female 10 yr old lab/Aussie Shep mix) live outside and in my garage, he like to jump up on people, they bark at people walking by the house, he was very docile when I first him but now he's come out of his shell.

[Rubylove]

Ok. First things first. He's a lab. They are super destructive. And he's an adolescent lab. Even worse.

Secondly. How much exercise does he get? What does he have to do during the day? How much time do you spend with him? Is he neutered?

Thirdly. Labs are jumpers. Jumping is one of two behaviours - usually mixed in together. It's a dominance behaviour, and it's an excitable behaviour.

It sounds like he doesn't see you much, and that he's bored, so he destroys things and then mauls you when he does get to see you.

[Saje]

I agree with Ruby. He probably needs more exercise and more attention. Being included in the family would probalby help too.

Also, give him alternative things to chew on. My dogs prefer raw meaty bones WAY more than electrical wire. Bullysticks are good too. Stuffed kongs...

[yoko]

could you try converting him to an inside dog? if not i understand sometimes a person's situation doesn't allow that. try taking him out and playing a game with him for a long time. until he's tired. maybe if he's tired out from playing he will be less inclined to chew on things. also try spending a day just watching him and when he starts to chew on something say 'no' firmly and give him something you will allow him to chew on. that worked with yoshi

[Doberluv]

I hate to be the messenger of bad news, but if your dog is not living with you in your house, he will never learn how to live in a human being's world.

That said, I agree with the others in that he's bored and needs exercise.(mind and body). If a dog has no direction, doesn't learn rules (by living with you) he will make his own fun.

You're right, hitting, scolding is useless. It only serves to make your dog distrust you. He doesn't know what in the world you mean...has no clue that what he's doing is not allowed. He hasn't been taught.

There are ways to teach a dog what is his stuff and what is yours and that yours is off limits. I'd be happy to share those ways, but won't waste my carpal tunnel wrists in typing if your dog is going to be left in the garage or outside. LOL. So, if you want to make those kinds of changes in order to have a well mannered, trained and happy dog, let us know and I think you will get the help you need.:)

[brockham]

I have a male labrador who was exactly like that! he used to chew on knives aswell!
We got him a chewy vanilla flavoured toy and a soft toy, which feels a little like a feasant or a rabbit so i guess thats why he liked it.! Hes now around 19months and still chews his toys sometimes, but hardely ever chews up anything else(the occasional sponge). He might of just grown out of it.
But if he hasnt had a good walk in the morning, he is more likely to be destructive!

[Debi]

sounds a bit like a situation of you not knowing the breed before acquiring the pet. agree with all that's said. unless your garage is REALLY empty, clean, etc...chewing on something more harmful than what you've already experienced is in your future. he's one active puppy/breed...better get him exercised more. if you wait longer for training, it's going to be even more difficult, too. sounds like a nice dog, and since you asked....then you do care...that's the best place to start. :)