help me with a young chewer (lab, retreiver, toy, train)

[mimosa]

10 week old golden retreiver. He's only interested in chewing things and nothing else. especially his leash and it makes for a tough walk. how do you train such a young dog or do you just live with it for now. it's very tiring.

[Keeper]

I would put the collar up high on my JR's neck and then hold the leash so he couldn't get it. Of course, when they are young chewing seems to be the only thing they really like to do.

[Travel'r]

Talking to them just like little toddlers/children has always worked wonders for us. A firm "NO", along with a <gasp> for good effect in repetition did it. An almost-crying "<Gasp!> What did you DO?!...this is bad, no" over & over while pointing at it always put ours on a good guilt trip. Act sad, too. They are sensitive to our moods & expressions. Stop in your tracks and do the "NO." when you're walking him and he does it. Congratulate him "Good!" when he's being good at it.
And be very enthusiastic in encouraging him with chew-toys. The more you point out "Good Thing, Bad Thing", the better.

Objects misted with diluted vinegar via spray bottle should also deter him.
Biggest thing, though, is that "spanking" a dog in any way merely confuses them. It's all in the tone of the voice, and gestures, with dogs. Firm and serious, while not screaming, is most effective. Screaming. like spanking, would accomplish absolutely nothing (aside from making him skittish.)
Of course, some dogs may go through their chew-phase longer than others. But with time and patience, you'll have a great dog and it'll all be worth it :>)

[mimosa]

thanks for all the advise. getting older the patience dulls and i want things fixed quick. he's absolutely adorable, looks like that panda on tv. He is the cousin of the one recently put to rest. just love animals. every bad story i hear is so unbelievable to me.

[Blueberry]

Mimosa,

You might want to read my thread titled, "Arrgh! Does anyone want a chocolate lab puppy!" It's not too far down.

I received some great advice centered around tiring the puppy out so it's not interested in chewing.

[Calibelle]

As far as the leash goes.... you could try a metal chain one. They don't seem to like the metal as much. Just give him plenty of toys that he CAN chew. Also, hard bones are GREAT. If you catch him with something he shouldn't have, say "NO", then replace the item with a toy that he is allowed to chew.
It's like having a toddler for a while, it gets easier though.

[hjlacey]

I have to agree with travel'r. treating them to the gasps and NO's usually gets their attention. make sure everyone is consistent tho. sometimes one person allows what another doesnt and confuses them.

[midnightbirdgirl]

My dog is a chewer but I have redirected her chewing. First, I walk her a lot, dogs chew because they are bored. Then I give her things that are okay to chew on. She gets lots a bones, and she still chews but rarely does she chew my stuff anymore.
MBG