If you have a Labrador retriever, you know you have one of the friendliest, gentlest dogs around. You also have a large, powerful dog who loves to chew, so you need to provide outlets for behavior that can be annoying if he turns his teeth on your furniture.


Keep him Close
A good leash is the most important dog item. In some cities, a leash longer than 6 feet is forbidden in some areas, though you can sometimes you a long, extendable slash for training. A comfortable handle makes it most pleasant to walk the dog if she pulls.

Collar
Choke collars are not recommended by most veterinarians and dog experts. If your dog is prone to pulling, a harness that goes under his belly and forces his shoulders forward is an effective, gentle way to control.

Bones
If your lab is a chewer, he will need bones to keep him occupied, particularly in the puppy months. Never give a dog a bone and leave him unattended. Some treats from China have made dogs sick, so consider locally-made treats.

Toys
My lab loves toys - but she also chews them incessantly. We have to take her toys away when she is done playing, or she will absent mindedly chew the to bits.

Treats
Treats can be used for training a lab, since they are food driven. If your lab is stubborn and won’t learn a certain behavior, like ‘out’ or ‘leave it’ a high quality treat in a flavor she loves is an effective reward.

Bedding
If you don’t want to crate your lab, and don’t want her to sleep on the furniture, you can train her to sleep in a dog bed. Some labs have been known to chew up beds.