Jump to content

Labrador Retriever Chewing Wood Trim - Anyone Have Experience?


UnderPar18

Recommended Posts

Anyone have a Lab who enjoyed eating wood? My 9 month old Chocolate Lab is typically a really good dog, he's actually probably the most chill dog I have met. We recently have blocked off our hallway so he has more room than just a crate while we are at work or around town shopping. He has done well, except recently he began eating the small wood trim on the wall. He doesn't always do it, but he has done it twice in the past 7 days while we are at work. He get's plenty of exercise and isn't an anxious dog. We give him toys and his bed so he is occupied.

Anyone experience this with their lab? If so, what did you do to prevent it from happening? Some people have told me bitter apple spray so i will try that, but looking for advice. For a dog that doesn't destroy toys or chew things to shreds this type of behavior is a surprise.

:taylormade-small: Qi10 LS Driver 10.5D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6x) 
:taylormade-small: Qi10 Tour 3 Fairway 15.0D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7x) 

Callaway   Apex UW 19.0D (Tensei AV Raw Blue 85tx)
:taylormade-small: P7MC/P770 Irons (KBS $-Taper 120s) (5-PW)/(4i) Lamkin Crossline Cord (All Metals / Irons)
 :taylormade-small:MG4 Wedges 50.09, 56.12, 60.08 (KBS $-Taper 120s)
:titleist:Scotty Cameron Champions Choice NP2 33.5" - Lamkin Deep Etched Cord
 
 
 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

One thing I forgot to mention is this just started happened after getting neutered. Wondering if something changed with his behavior due to hormones?

:taylormade-small: Qi10 LS Driver 10.5D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6x) 
:taylormade-small: Qi10 Tour 3 Fairway 15.0D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7x) 

Callaway   Apex UW 19.0D (Tensei AV Raw Blue 85tx)
:taylormade-small: P7MC/P770 Irons (KBS $-Taper 120s) (5-PW)/(4i) Lamkin Crossline Cord (All Metals / Irons)
 :taylormade-small:MG4 Wedges 50.09, 56.12, 60.08 (KBS $-Taper 120s)
:titleist:Scotty Cameron Champions Choice NP2 33.5" - Lamkin Deep Etched Cord
 
 
 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I'm sure our circumstances are quite different. Our dog is a pit rescue that came to us with severe separation anxiety. When we first got him we would crate him when we left to go anywhere. If we left him near anything that he could grab, he would pull it into his crate and destroy it. Through perseverance we have gotten him to the point where we can leave him out of his crate when we leave and he won't do anything bad...normally. We have found on a few occasions that if we deviate from our "routine" when we leave is when he has had destructive tendencies which are to chew whatever happens to be easily grabbed whether it's mini-blinds, curtains, welcome mats or door knobs. The door knob was a little hard to take because that showed to me that he was coming to find us...that he didn't want to be alone. I really don't like leaving him alone. He's my boy.

Long story short, maybe your dog needs a routine?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with boyd59. I don't know the particulars of your situation, but this sounds a stress reaction by the dog. Puppies, particularly labs, are 100 miles an hour and need to get that energy out. I know you say he's exercised, but what is your routine in the morning before you both go to work?? Do you take him for a long walk in the morning or are you scrambling (like most people) to just get out the door? I subscribe to the "a tired dog is a happy dog" philosophy. Bitter Apple spray may work, but I'd also try to puppy proof your hallway a bit more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any dog can do this. Most likely boredom. And or he’s found something that tastes interesting. I’d try some vinegar , or cayenne pepper water in a spray bottle. His nose won’t like that. But truthfully just time. He will grow out of the last chewing stage. My Great Pyrenees is now 16 months old and she just doesn’t chew much at all now except if you give her a deer antler. And that lasts months. At one point she chewed a hole in Sheetrock twice. Lol. And all the wood molding off one door casing. We just kept hard and fast on a set routine and it eventually passed. I do have the advantage there as I was able to come in from my shop and walk her every 2 hours. And eventually she just goes where I go now.

lots of rambling I know. Short answer is try some fragrant sprays on the wood to deter , and know that 9 months for a big dog isn’t grown up yet. Not really. It will get better.

Callaway epic max LS 9* GD-M9003 7x 

TM Sim2 max tour  16* GD  ADHD 8x 

srixon zx 19* elements 9F5T 

Cobra king SZ 25.5* KBS TD cat 5 70 

TM p7mc 5-pw Mmt125tx 

Mizuno T22 raw 52-56-60 s400

LAB Mezz Max armlock 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In high energy dogs, especially those in the puppy stage (& Labs seem to take forever to mature) your mantra must be "a good Lab is an exhausted Lab". And that does not mean a walk around the block. It means hard running & playing. Sorry, but it takes some real work to wear these dogs out. For this reason, I no longer get puppies....an adult dog is soooo much easier. I

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Boredom, separation anxiety - most likely one or the other or both. He’s not anxious when you are around - that’s not the test!

Be diligent with play and exercise. Agree with some spray of cayenne, etc. But my Golden would chew his tail and nothing would stop it and that’s just the way it’s always been for 13 years. In the short term maybe the trim is more expendable than where he might otherwise direct his attention.

Not surprising at all and nothing to do with neutering, but you can’t paste them back on. ;-)

Weather the storm!

My pup had a unusual desire to chew on metal. And when teething and after would chew about anything else, but he grew out of it. He does need a lot of play and running - cures a lot of “bad” dog stuff.

But the being gone part can be a challenge.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't be afraid to keep them crated. I know you may feel bad but the dog thinks of the crate as it's home and is more comfortable. More space for dogs isn't always a good thing when your not around. It took about 2 years before we could leave one of our dogs out because she would end up destroying something. Just know when you get home they need to get rid of that energy immediately.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There's a product, I believe it's called Bitter Apple, that's supposed to help with this. Food safe obviously and you can spread it around the problem surfaces.

 

+1 on the crating. I grew up with labs and have them in the family now, every single one of those lovable lugs likes to have their little den space!

 

TSR2 8*, Ventus TR Red 7x

TSi2 15*, Diamana BF 80TX

TSR2 18°, Atmos TS Blue HB 8x 
Mizuno MP Fli Hi 21°, Recoil 110

MP-20 MMC  5-P, DG X100
SM8 50F, 54S, 58M (X7 "spinners")
Odyssey Eleven S
Tour BX

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all of the comments. With the recent pandemic I have been working remote so that solve the issue for a month or so, but I agree with everyone it probably just comes with age and he is still young.

He loves his crate. He opts for it sometimes over his bed and we have a pretty large one for him. I just know personally if I could give him a hallway where he can move around a little more I would love to provide him that.

ill try the bitter apple spray and if that doesn’t work I will crate him and continue to come home at lunch and work his energy out in the evenings.

:taylormade-small: Qi10 LS Driver 10.5D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6x) 
:taylormade-small: Qi10 Tour 3 Fairway 15.0D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7x) 

Callaway   Apex UW 19.0D (Tensei AV Raw Blue 85tx)
:taylormade-small: P7MC/P770 Irons (KBS $-Taper 120s) (5-PW)/(4i) Lamkin Crossline Cord (All Metals / Irons)
 :taylormade-small:MG4 Wedges 50.09, 56.12, 60.08 (KBS $-Taper 120s)
:titleist:Scotty Cameron Champions Choice NP2 33.5" - Lamkin Deep Etched Cord
 
 
 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2nd the crate training. Our Pyrenees doesn’t think the crate is punishment at all. It’s her “ room “. Now it is huge mind you. Big enough for a Great Dane. But she’s 94 lbs and growing. So.

I feel like the key to that is that we never sent her to her crate unless we left the house. Never as a punishment. We actually have her crate on the glasses in porch off the kitchen. And a dog gate on the door going to that room. So. If she is in time out she goes to the porch behind the gate. Not into her crate. Half the time she retreats to pout in her crate with the door open. So she clearly thinks it’s “ her” space. Not a bad place. Makes leaving easy.

Callaway epic max LS 9* GD-M9003 7x 

TM Sim2 max tour  16* GD  ADHD 8x 

srixon zx 19* elements 9F5T 

Cobra king SZ 25.5* KBS TD cat 5 70 

TM p7mc 5-pw Mmt125tx 

Mizuno T22 raw 52-56-60 s400

LAB Mezz Max armlock 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can confirm - go get the bitter apple spray. Called Grannick's Bitter Apple -made in Norwalk, CT. Comes in a 8oz spray bottle and I think usually runs around $7 in stores around here. Wife and I work with a guiding eye dog school and we have cared for hundreds of lab pups in our home over many years. Wood molding is a favorite chew target. With the exception of only one determined fella who I recall would not give it up no matter how bad the taste, the bitter apple has deterred them all. They usually take one crack at it and then shake their head from side to side sneezing and then give up and move on to some other target to chew. You will have to keep applying it to ensure the coating is fresh.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup we have brought him to daycare. We really like that idea but so far he’s cost us more in medical bills than 2 20 day passes. First time got kennel cough as a young pup and this second time (this past week) got a virus. Love the idea of daycare but so far it’s dug deep into our pockets.

:taylormade-small: Qi10 LS Driver 10.5D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6x) 
:taylormade-small: Qi10 Tour 3 Fairway 15.0D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7x) 

Callaway   Apex UW 19.0D (Tensei AV Raw Blue 85tx)
:taylormade-small: P7MC/P770 Irons (KBS $-Taper 120s) (5-PW)/(4i) Lamkin Crossline Cord (All Metals / Irons)
 :taylormade-small:MG4 Wedges 50.09, 56.12, 60.08 (KBS $-Taper 120s)
:titleist:Scotty Cameron Champions Choice NP2 33.5" - Lamkin Deep Etched Cord
 
 
 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our first lab would steal food off the table when people weren't there. We tried everything. Then one day I left a plate of jalapeño peppers on the table. Sure enough she jumps up, eats half of them and then starts dragging her tongue on the floor and runs to the bathroom to drink out of the toilet. Ha!.... Then she promptly went back to the table and ate the rest. Labs aren't the brightest

We have a chocolate now and I agree. Your dog is bored. You should leave her in the kennel when you aren't home. That little bit of room isn't going to do anything for her.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup they require full vaccinations and are very well known and liked in town. Google ratings are fanatics as well as all other online review areas. Did my due diligence and talked to other dog owners in my neighborhood who have also used them for daycare and boarding... not sure what to to tell you...

:taylormade-small: Qi10 LS Driver 10.5D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6x) 
:taylormade-small: Qi10 Tour 3 Fairway 15.0D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7x) 

Callaway   Apex UW 19.0D (Tensei AV Raw Blue 85tx)
:taylormade-small: P7MC/P770 Irons (KBS $-Taper 120s) (5-PW)/(4i) Lamkin Crossline Cord (All Metals / Irons)
 :taylormade-small:MG4 Wedges 50.09, 56.12, 60.08 (KBS $-Taper 120s)
:titleist:Scotty Cameron Champions Choice NP2 33.5" - Lamkin Deep Etched Cord
 
 
 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Haha that’s too funny. He doesn’t steal food or annoy us for human food but that’s probably because we have never given him any. I agree with you it’s likely boredom.

:taylormade-small: Qi10 LS Driver 10.5D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6x) 
:taylormade-small: Qi10 Tour 3 Fairway 15.0D (Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7x) 

Callaway   Apex UW 19.0D (Tensei AV Raw Blue 85tx)
:taylormade-small: P7MC/P770 Irons (KBS $-Taper 120s) (5-PW)/(4i) Lamkin Crossline Cord (All Metals / Irons)
 :taylormade-small:MG4 Wedges 50.09, 56.12, 60.08 (KBS $-Taper 120s)
:titleist:Scotty Cameron Champions Choice NP2 33.5" - Lamkin Deep Etched Cord
 
 
 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I own Italian Spinoni and they’re a fair bit more challenging than Labrador Retrievers. They’re known for being destructive if bored or suffering separation anxiety.

 

The key I’ve found is to mentally exhaust them when young. Physical tiring is ok but they just get fitter and bounce back harder. Get their problem solving abilities going and it’ll zonk them out all day! I do loads of retrieve training - seen, blind and distraction. It’d be very worth your while learning some gundog training even if you never expect to work him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mine did when he was a pup too. Separation anxiety was our issue.

Side note, goughnuts (Available @ Chewy, Amazon, and their website) has the BEST chew toys you could ask for. We have their "stick" and double ring. The stick looks like a dildo. Other than that, they are AMAZING! Going on 2 and a half years and not even a scratch though the outer layer!

FVDVWU6R8T3R.jpg

XT1TRBGC60VI.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have two labs. When they were puppies, they chewed on everything. Drywall. Check. Wood molding. Check. The bumper on my Acura. Check. They even got into the habit of peeling bark off of trees. It took a lot of care to make sure those trees didn't die. They grew out of chewing stuff.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have a Pitt mix and a crackhead corgi/schnauzer mix. We got both in late-puppy stage and both chewed wood. They chewed the trim on our stairs, the corners of tables/chairs, the corner of a couch, and the trim on the corners of our exterior siding.

They've both kinda grown out of it (and we've bought a mountain of chew toys), but we never found a solution that would prevent it. Bitter apple helped, but they would just find something else to chew that we never would have anticipated. The crackhead corgi is responsible for the exterior damage. She chases lizards, and when they'd crawl behind the siding, she'd destroy it trying to get to the lizard. I'm not sure we'll ever cure that issue, so I put a potted plant in front of that spot and I'll fix it when she's a little older (or when we get ready to sell the house).

The owners before us were dog lovers with kids, we're dog lovers with kids, and I'm pretty sure we won't be able to sell this house unless the next owners are dog lovers with kids. lol

"Of all the hazards, fear is the worst" - Sam Snead
WITB: PXG 0311 ~ Ping Anser 4w @16.5 ~ Cobra F6 Baffler @18.5 ~ Titleist T300 4-P ~ Titleist Vokey 48, 54, 58 ~ Cleveland HB 8

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

Just had to put my boy down. I would love to have him back and I would let him chew the house down, if I could just kiss him once more.

  • Like 1
  • Sad 2

Callaway Rogue 10.5* Driver
Callaway Rogue 3 Wood
Callaway Rogue 5 wood
Callaway 4/5 Hybrid
Callaway Apex 6-GW
Callaway Mack Daddy 52/56 Wedge
Scotty Cameron Monterey

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, consider myself a pretty tough guy emotionally, but have been crying like a baby. I have had to do this before with another dog, but the house is so empty without him.

  • Sad 2

Callaway Rogue 10.5* Driver
Callaway Rogue 3 Wood
Callaway Rogue 5 wood
Callaway 4/5 Hybrid
Callaway Apex 6-GW
Callaway Mack Daddy 52/56 Wedge
Scotty Cameron Monterey

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...