Behavior · Labrador Retriever
How to Stop a Labrador Retriever From Chewing Everything
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Short answer
Because Labradors are bred to retrieve and carry objects, redirect their natural mouthing drive toward approved chew toys using positive reinforcement. Channel their high energy and intelligence with plenty of exercise, mental enrichment, and clear impulse control training to prevent destructive chewing.
Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs with naturally high energy levels—qualities that make them wonderfully trainable but also prone to destructive chewing when bored or under-stimulated. Labs were bred to retrieve and carry objects in their mouths, so mouthing and chewing are hardwired behaviors. With their friendly, outgoing temperament and strong desire to bond with their owners, Labradors respond exceptionally well to positive-reinforcement training. This guide will help you redirect their natural chewing instincts toward appropriate outlets, provide adequate physical and mental stimulation, and build a strong foundation for impulse control. By understanding your Lab's unique needs and energy requirements, you'll transform destructive chewing into manageable behavior.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Meet Your Lab's Exercise Requirements
Labrador Retrievers need at least 75 minutes of daily exercise to burn off their considerable energy. A under-exercised Lab is far more likely to chew destructively out of boredom and frustration. Aim for a combination of brisk walks, fetch sessions, swimming, or running—activities that engage both their body and their strong retrieving drive.
Step 2: Provide an Array of Appropriate Chew Toys
Stock your home with high-quality, durable chew toys like Kong Extremes, Nylabone, rubber balls, and puzzle toys that dispense treats. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty and interest. Since Labs are naturally motivated by food and objects, investing in varied, engaging chew items is essential to redirecting their mouthing behavior.
Step 3: Redirect and Reward Correct Chewing
When you catch your Lab chewing an inappropriate item, calmly redirect them to an approved toy and immediately praise and reward them with treats or play. Positive reinforcement is highly effective with this eager-to-please breed—they naturally want to please you, so rewarding the right behavior builds strong habits quickly.
Step 4: Supervise and Puppy-Proof Your Environment
Remove temptation by securing shoes, cables, furniture cushions, and other attractive items out of reach. Use baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms, and supervise closely during high-risk periods like after meals or when your Lab has excess energy. Prevention is easier than correction with this enthusiastic breed.
Step 5: Teach Impulse Control and Leave It Commands
Practice basic obedience commands like 'Leave It' and 'Drop It' using high-value treats and toys. Labradors' natural eagerness to please makes them quick learners—these commands give them clear guidance about what not to chew and provide an outlet for their food-motivated nature through training games.
Step 6: Provide Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
Engage your Lab's intelligent, working-dog brain with puzzle feeders, scent games, training sessions, and interactive play. A mentally tired Lab is far less likely to resort to destructive chewing. Even 20 minutes of mental enrichment activities can significantly reduce boredom-related chewing.
For the Labrador Retriever
Pro tips
- Labs are food-motivated and eager to please, so use high-value treats (chicken, cheese, training-specific treats) as rewards when redirecting to appropriate chew items—this breed responds exceptionally fast to positive reinforcement.
- Channel your Lab's natural retrieving drive: play regular fetch sessions with balls and retrieving toys to satisfy their instinct to carry objects and burn off their high energy levels simultaneously.
- Combine exercise with training: Labradors thrive when mental and physical stimulation happen together, so incorporate 20-30 minute obedience or impulse-control sessions into your daily routine for maximum behavioral results.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Lab is still chewing despite having toys. What should I do?
Ensure your Lab is getting adequate daily exercise (75+ minutes) and mental stimulation—under-stimulation is often the root cause. Rotate toys frequently to keep them novel, and catch and redirect chewing behavior in the moment with immediate praise and rewards. If destructive chewing persists, it may signal anxiety or health issues; consult your vet.
How do I stop my Lab from chewing my hands and clothes during play?
This is normal mouthing behavior for Labs. Redirect to appropriate toys during play, and say 'Ouch!' to startle them when teeth touch skin. Reward calm interactions and gentle play. Since Labs are eager to please, consistent redirection combined with positive reinforcement for soft-mouth behavior works quickly with this breed.
What are the best chew toys for a large, powerful Lab?
Choose heavy-duty toys designed for large dogs: Kong Extreme Black, Nylabone PowerChew, rubber balls, and rope toys. Avoid small toys that can be swallowed, rawhide, or anything that splinters. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are excellent because they engage your Lab's food motivation and problem-solving abilities.
Is crate training helpful for managing destructive chewing?
Yes—a properly introduced crate provides a safe space and prevents unsupervised chewing when you can't watch your Lab. However, don't use it as punishment. Make it positive with treats and praise, and ensure your Lab still gets their full daily exercise and mental stimulation outside the crate to prevent boredom-related behavior problems.
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
