How to stop my Labrador from repeatedly chewing the dog door flap?

You can try Bitter Apple spray, but I cannot guarantee that it won't stain fabrics, so you may want to spot test it first. Specifically regarding underwear, socks, etc; it is very important to get all family members to use a covered hamper so that these items are not lying around. Socks and underwear are VERY common causes of intestinal obstructions that require surgery. I understand your reservations about using a crate, however, most dogs actually like a crate, when its introduced as a safe recluse for the dog, and never as a punishment. Initially when introducing a crate, you don't close the dog in, rather get them comfortable with it as a nice place to rest. Check out the following article for good tips in introducing a crate. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-puppy-or-older-dog/ Thank you fro using PetCoach!

Labs get into things frequently, this is their nature. They will ingest just about anything. I would recommend monitoring him closely when she is out playing and discouraging him from putting things in her mouth that she shouldn't. Give her a Kong toy or similar chew toy to occupy her time. When you are not home it is best to keep her in a crate so that she does not get into things he shouldn't. You can also try spraying a product called Bitter Apple or Yuk gel on things that she likes to put in her mouth to try and deter him from doing so. Best of luck with your puppy Bella and getting her to stop putting things in her mouth that she shouldn't. We want to try and prevent a foreign body ingestion and possible obstruction as best we can. As she grows she should get better at not doing this. Take care!

It is possible he has a touch of separation anxiety. It may stress him a bit when you leave the house. Mild cases can be remedied by desensitizing him to your absence. This is done by leaving him along for ever increasing periods of time. Prepare to leave the house multiple times daily. Leave sometimes and other times stay. Do not make a big deal about leaving or returning. Ignore him for 15 minutes or until he settles down upon your return. A special toy or treat can be used to distract him just before you leave. Pick up the toy as soon as you get home. A pheromone product, such is the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may help decrease any anxiety. There are also oral supplements that can calming him down some.

It sounds to me like Justice needs to be confined to a crate or other puppy proof area whenever he is not directly supervised. It sounds like you’re already offering plenty of appropriate chew toys. If you catch him in the act you should offer something else to chew.

I would recommend using a product called Grannick Bitter Apple spray and apply this to the other dogs' hair coat to prevent the chewing. I hope this helps! You can find this product online or at your local PetCo quite easily. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Oh no! If he will tolerate a crate, I would strongly consider this to help prevent him from swallowing something he shouldn’t and to prevent more damage to your house. I would also consider some calming chews like vetriscience composure and a calming collar like adaptil. If this doesn’t help, I would talk to your vet about starting him on an anti-anxiety Medicine. I hope this helps!

I’m sorry to hear about Charlie. Some dogs are just big chewers. Providing lots of chew toys or bones is one option, or if it’s really destructive, try leaving him in a basket muzzle (except for meal times). Finally, if it’s only a problem while you’re gone, kenneling him and talking to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication as this can be a sign of separation anxiety. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Charlie!