How to train a lab to stop chewing, whining, and jumping on people?

Question

My boyfriend got a lab when she was 14 weeks old, and has had her for 2 months now. She chews everything... recently she started chewing up the couch. We've tried chewing toys, huge bones, kongs, etc. she loses interest in them within 5 mins and she's back to chewing everything else. we put her in the kennel while were gone and sleeping to keep her from getting into things. we put her outside to play and potty and she tears up the door trying to get in. she will only stay out there for a little a few minutes if my pomeranian is out there. the lab is constantly getting on my poms nerves and they fight constantly. I have a 6 year old that she constantly jumps on. she's already bitten him in the ear, arms, legs, back etc and makes him bleed. she whines as soon as she is put in the kennel and wont stop. we tried ignoring her and it doesnt work. I personally believe she should be an outside dog (she was an outside dog when he bought her). my boyfriend wont get rid of her but isnt here to train her. i try to do what i can and she doesnt listen to me... its like she doesnt know what im saying. I tell her to go outside and she just stands there. i tell her to get in the kennel, she tries to crawl under the table... she doesn't even learn a thing or two from watching my pom. she is driving me NUTS. I am a mother, i work, i go to college, i have my own dog to deal with, and still try to keep up with the house, etc. I don't know what else to do but somethings got to work. thanks in advance for some advice.

luckydog · Answer

While I completely agree with the other answers, I am very aware that your answer screams that no one has the time to train the dog. 
If that is the case, then no suggestion here is going to work.  
Labs are great dogs and you should certainly give this one the opportunity to achieve the best that it can.
I would recommend you find a reliable board and train that works with a method you prefer.  You board your dog there for a month or so, and spend a few days working with the trainer together so you can know how to handle the dog and what commands to give.  They can do basic obedience, or more depending on your needs.
If you can't do that, a private trainer who comes to your house would be the next best choice.  Iwould avoid classes for now, especially box store types.  You will not get the individual attention you obviously need.
Lastly, I would say that even with the training, you and your bf have to be on the same page.  You both have to include the dog in your life, in your schedule.  You need to make time for EXERCISE and TRAINING EVERY DAY, you have to re think how you deal with him and adopt a say it-do it attitude.  Lots of hard work, lots of consistency and you will get a great dog.
If this is all too much, you should start basic obedience anyway and think about rehoming him. Good luck, hope it works out for you.

Aphrodite ☼ · Answer

Destructive dog = bored dog.  Fix with EXERCISE.  Lots of EXERCISE.
Whining dog = bored dog.  Fix with EXERCISE.
Jumping dog = disobedient dog.  Fix with TRAINING.

Do not ignore a jumping dog - you have taught the dog nothing.
Correct it.
Command the dog to sit.  Tell the dog NO.  If that doesn't work then you give the dog a leash correction.

Ellen · Answer

A dog with no trained alternatives won't always pick behaviors we like. 

She needs to learn many, many behaviors that you can ask her to do in various situations, until they become habit in those situations.

She will not learn from the other dog, and I would be willing to bet that she either doesn't know what you are asking for, or has no motivation to do it.

Start with these sites, to learn how to teach her what you DO want her to do:

http://www.youtube.com/user/PerfectPawsStudios


http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=SuperBark1&view=videos&sort=d

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/index.htm

http://www.clickertraining.com/

http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/%20Dog1/levels.html

http://positivepetzine.com/

http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/AFTER%20You%20Get%20Your%20Puppy.pdf

http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com/

Horse Lover · Answer

Obedience classes and exercise.

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How to train a lab to stop chewing, whining, and jumping on people?

4 Answers