Our Lab when she was first adopted from a shelter was a chewer.We left one day 2 hours and came home to what I immediately thought was we were robbed.My house was just trashed.Beautiful furniture couches rugs,tables accessories on them were destroyed.
I'm not a big fan of crates,for that sole reason,she never had the chance as a pup to truly co exist with humans.She was taught nothing.What she did learn was to fear people.We had to undo,rehabilitate her.
You don't have a bad dog.Labs are very sensitive.Reading up on the breed should help you to understand her.They chew to set their jaws.They don't do it to annoy you.They don't like you to come home and scold them first thing anymore then you like coming home to a mess.It's work to have and train a puppy.It's not fair to anyone,especially her.
Anything that's off limits to chew on.Furniture,table legs,anything.Go to the produce section,spend $2.00 on some Habanero Peppers.Glove up,don't wipe your eyes.Cut them in half,Lightly rub any area you don't want chewed.Don't wash the spots off until she gets the idea of whats hers and what isn't.
Make sure she has plenty of cold water.One lick of that,and just a reminder taste later will do the trick.The Habnero's won't stain fabrics,linoleum and such.
Large doggy doors are cheap.With labs bladders they really are a god send.In many ways.It cuts down on her boredom.She's free.
Getting another dog for companionship for her..Well no offence,train her first,let her establish some good sound training.That way when and if you do get another one.She will already be established,she's the boss lady.That in its self is huge ego booster for a lab.She will train the new kid by example..The pick up fast.Especially when the good deeds are rewarded.Praise and lots of it.
We have 3 dogs.2 biguns' and a little one we don't know the breed.She has a purple nose though..Go figure
Munky.
