Swinging door into kitchen really helps!

[Jane]

Lilly was ransacking our kitchen and pulling the towels off, getting into the fridge and the dishwasher. Of course, every time we go into the kitchen, she is there too, 'helping' us.
So not wanting to spoil all her fun, my husband took a piece of plywood and got some hinges and made a swinging door that I can just push with my knee, and it comes up against the cabinet swinging inward, so every time Lilly pushes on it, it just stays put. I can go in and out without using a hand.
If I am not doing much or cooking, I just can leave the little door open, but it makes me feel a lot safer if I am cooking something hot or opening the oven door. She can see over the top, its only about 2 feet high.
Hoping that this is an idea that will help you puppy owners if you have a room that you dont want the pup to get into. My computer room is off limits with a gate.
My question is, how old is a Yellow lab when they decide they dont need to ransack a room any more? I do notice that she doesnt like to hang out in a room that there are no humans in. So her toys are all over the house.
Jane

 

[bubbatd]

Labs and goldens like to be near their owners and have toys with them . Glad the door's working !!

 

[Jane]

Yes indeed that door is a godsend. But all I need it for is the time I am in the kitchen, and she is in the dining room with my husband, but wants the 'action' and smells of the kitchen.
Then she sat in my lap as we watched the evening news, arent Labs so cute when they fall asleep in your lap or right there on your feet.
She is so affectionate, but when she is playing or perhaps a bit overexcited from playing with our grandkids, she still can be 'bitey'.
But when sleepy, she can be so cuddley.
My brother will be getting another Golden when they finish remodeling their big house, its not the place for a pup now. But when they are done, it will be heavenly for all our dogs and grandkids. They have a great beach over there where the whole menagerie can swim and play.
Jane

 

[Sweet72947]

Well, my lab mix likes being in the kitchen because she likes food! She will stand there and watch you prepare stuff, but she never tries to get it or anything. Labs love to eat, so the kitchen is a great place!

 

[Jane]

Once she has stopped chewing stuff like the kitchen rug, tipping the trash bin over, shredding the recycling items, we will let her back in. I hope she gets over that stuff by this coming spring, so we can take down the gates and the swinging door.
How long do labs take to get less 'destructive'?
I did get her some Bully Sticks and some cheese and bacon filled bones today, and that keeps her busy while I do stuff that I dont require her 'help' with.
And she is getting better, more easily distracted towards her own toys, and yes, we have more stuff for her.
Jane