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There’s nothing like coming home to your pet dog…until you see the devastation. Benches, shoes, garbage, and even wall moldings can all be victims. Sometimes, dogs that suddenly destroy furniture while their family is away will come to shelter. But that’s not fair at all. No one wants to keep replacing items their dog has ruined. However, training is an integral part of having a dog. So why does your dog destroy everything? It could be for a number of reasons.
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The reason dogs suddenly destroy everything
Remember, dogs cannot speak our language. They can’t tell you what’s going on verbally, but a dog wrecking things will leave a clear message. You just have to figure out what that message is and then you can respond appropriately. In most cases, it’s not just about getting your attention. Here are some of the main reasons dogs cause havoc when they’re alone.
childhood
Puppy is infamous for chewing. Their teeth come in, fall out, and then come back in. All of these things cause the puppy to need to chew, just like a newborn baby. Some dog parents think, ‘well, when they’re no longer puppies, they’ll stop.’ However, if you let the habit form, your puppy will continue to chew on inappropriate items for the rest of their lives.
boring
Dog bored! Regardless of breed, all dogs need exercise and mental stimulation. If you don’t provide enough of either, your dog will find something to do on his own. But you may not be satisfied with the results. Bored dogs are more likely to suddenly destroy things they shouldn’t be doing.
Emphasize
Unfamiliar situations can be stressful for puppies and adult dogs. This could be a one-time situation like a dog passing by or something more serious like moving to a new home. Dogs don’t know how to handle stressful situations on their own. So they resort to chewing, digging or scratching to allay their fears.
Worry
This is the most extreme type of destructive behavior. Dogs with separation anxiety actually do some pretty stressful things. I’ve heard of dogs jumping out of windows and eating drywall when their loved ones leave.
Tips for dealing with a destructive dog
How you handle your dog’s disruptive behavior depends on why they did it in the first place. If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, you may need the help of a healthcare professional. Certified professional positive reinforcement dog trainer. They can help your dog overcome fears and prevent havoc. For puppies and bored dogs, you have some easier options.
Get more exercise and mental stimulation
Both mental stimulation and exercise will help dogs that are too tired to chew. Mental stimulation includes things like jigsaw puzzle and training that gets your dog thinking. This can prevent your dog from suddenly destroying your furniture.
Suitable choice
Make sure your dog has access to appropriate toys that they can safely chew on. Praise them if you notice they decide to chew on toys rather than your couch. Then, when you’re gone, they’ll be more likely to make the right decision.
Visit the vet
In rare cases, chewing can be associated with health problems. Older dogs may gnaw on objects if their mouths are sore, like when a puppy is teething. This could be a sign of gum disease, swollen gums, tartar buildup, or an infection. So make sure you discuss chewing issues with your veterinarian.
Remove access
Put your dog in a kennel if they are trained in the barrel prevent them from making the wrong choice. It can save you heartache over a mess when you get home and can save your dog from a trip to the vet for ingesting something they shouldn’t be eating. The crates are great when you are dealing with problem behaviors with your dog. However, make sure you never use their crate as a punishment.
Prove
Finally, if you plan to release your dog while home alone, prove your home. Place child locks on cabinets that you don’t want your dog to get in. Close the doors to rooms with objects your dog might want to chew on, such as children’s toys or shoes. Place the TV remote out of reach or in a drawer. Taking a few minutes to check out the room before you leave is definitely worth your time. Don’t forget to leave some dog toys!
Try online training courses!
Training is not a chore. Let SpiritDog help you turn training time into a fun, productive bonding experience between you and your best friend! Whether you want to kick bad habits or reinforce your dog’s good manners, SpiritDog can help guide you!
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