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Destructive behavior
The most common complaint with young dogs
is destructive behavior. Destructive behavior is usually an easy problem to solve because it is directly related to supervision.
When a dog is with you, he'll consistently be reprimanded when he picks up your belongings and SHOULD be consistently rewarded
for playing with his own toys. When you dog is not with you, he can be safely confined in a puppy proof area of your home
or yard. If you are gone for long periods of time you may have difficulty confining the dog adequately while still providing
sufficient exercise and enrichment. Consider having a dog walker come during the day or installing a dog run or enrolling
your dog in day care at a kennel that can provide a stimulating environment for a growing dog.
There are many reasons a dog may destroy your belongings. For example,
puppies that are not supervised will explore anything. If it smells good, tastes good or feels good they will play with it.
By play, I mean chase it, kill it and eat it. If no one is nearby to say, "Stop that", the behavior continues.
Destructive
behavior can also be attention seeking behavior. If running around with your shoe causes you to drop whatever you are doing
to chase the dog, then your dog is using the destructive behavior to get your attention. He may benefit from a vigorous exercise
program or positive attention from you for desirable behavior. Actively reward a dog with attention for playing quietly every
chance you get. Your dog may also benefit from a leadership training program to teach him that all things in the house belong to you.
Another cause
for destructive behavior is a desire to reach something outside the house or room or fence he is confined to. If the destructive
behavior is centered around doorways, windows or fences, your dog may have a problem with territorial or predatory aggression and may be reacting to a trespasser such as the mail carrier or a neighbor's cat. I have observed
squirrels park on an outside window and work a dog inside a house into a frenzy. This barrier frustration usually usually
occurs whether you are home or not.
Finally, some dogs panic when left alone. These dogs are not destructive
when supervised and are house trained. But when left alone, even for just 30 minutes, they wreak havoc in the house. These
dogs can be suffering from Separation Anxiety. This is a specific form of destruction related to insecurity which can be handled with separation training.
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