We've all been there. Some of you are there right now! You leave your puppy, adolescent or adult dog alone and come home to sheer destruction! What is a pet parent to do? Here are 3 reasons your dog destroys your belongings and what you can do to prevent this behavior.
Puppyhood. There is no way around it, your puppy is going to chew things! Starting at the time of adoption you need to redirect this urge from your shoes, body parts and furniture to acceptable items. Crate training is an excellent way to not only potty train your puppy but to control unsupervised time. When your puppy is outside the crate you must supervise her activities and, when she starts chewing on your undesirable items redirect her attention to an appropriate toy.
There are products, like Bitter Apple, that can help. Simply spray it on the items she chews on that you can't move (like furniture, walls, carpets) and the taste is so nasty she won't chew on them.
Take every opportunity during her free time to wear her out through disciplined walks and games, like fetch and obstacle courses. (She will be easier to walk when her exuberant energy has been expelled through games.)
Adolescence. So you made it through the puppy months and everything was going along so well. Then, at around 18 months old, your young dog suddenly started ripping the stuffing out of the couch and nothing you could do would stop him! Was he abducted and an alien left in his place?
No! Your puppy is an adolescent - the equivalent to a 13-16 year old human teenager. His energy level just kicked into high gear and he doesn't know what to do with himself! This phase can last 12 to 18 months, brace yourself!
Exercise is extremely important to your dog at this time. If your dog likes to play fetch get a tennis ball "chucker" to increase the distance he runs. Take him for long (45-60 minute) walks. If your dog is an athletic breed like Boxers, Pit Bulls, Labs and all working and herding breeds, consider biking with him. He needs to run! Morning, afternoon and night. If you don't provide a constructive outlet for his abundant energy your belongings are at high risk.
This is also a time where the crate will be your best friend. Be careful to not leave your adolescent dog in a crate for more than 5 hours at a time. Self destructive behavior can start with confinement when an exercise break is not provided while you are at work for the day.
Separation Anxiety. Does your adult dog destroy the furniture, the walls, the blinds, clothing, carpet or anything within reach when you leave the house? Does he cry and carry on when you walk out the door? Your dog is demonstrating separation anxiety, a behavioral issue stemming from your dog's perceived place in the family pack that started in puppyhood.
When a dog believes himself to be alpha (the leader of your pack) it is considered, in dog etiquette, to be a cardinal sin for lower ranking members of the pack (yourself included) to leave the house without him. The tantrum that follows your crime is an expression of frustrated dominance.
What to do? Consult a professional trainer to help you establish your necessary place as the pack leader. Your dog will be a calm and stable pack member when you take the leadership role and allow him to be a happy follower. Your trainer will show you how to easily take this alpha role away from your dog through disciplined walks, feeding rituals, play time and rules. You will also learn how to leave the house calmly with a relaxed dog.
What is the most destructive thing your dog has done? Leave us a comment!
Creature Comforts offers Potty Break visits for puppies and Exercise Breaks for adolescents and adult dogs. Click the Book Now button to schedule some sanity in your household!
