What Should I Do if My Dog Is Destroying Everything?

̶0;With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,̶1; says ASPCA Animal Trainer Kristen Collins. No matter your dog̵7;s age, if the animal is bored, it can become angry and frustrated and engage in destructive behaviors that disappoint you. However, dogs that receive ample opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds are less likely to wreak havoc around the house.

  1. Toys and Sprays

    • Dog toys give your pet something to chew on that doesn̵7;t result in property damage. The ASPCA recommends food-stuffed puzzle toys or tasty chew toys. If your dog is resistant to chew toys, try rubbing a food like ham over the toy to give it an attractive taste and scent. Be sure to praise your dog when you see it playing with a toy. You can also spray foul-tasting, non-toxic sprays on household furniture to discourage your pet from chewing and shredding inappropriate items.

    Exercise

    • Sleeping dogs don̵7;t cause trouble. Dog trainers believe that healthy adult dogs need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. Suggested activities that burn excess energy include running, swimming and playing outdoors. Games like fetch and tug-of-war provide physical workouts for dogs and increase the bond between your pet and you. If you live near a dog park take advantage of it as these parks allow dogs to exercise and socialize safely with their peers.

    Personal Space

    • Crate training prevents dogs from destroying the house by providing the animal with its own den-like setting. Crates work well for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and damage the home when left alone for extended periods of time. An alternative to a crate is to dedicate a small space of your home as a dog environment, removing all household items and using gates to secure the area when necessary. Whatever your choice, always be sure to provide food, water and toys in your dog̵7;s personal space.

    Professional Assistance

    • If your dog̵7;s destructive behaviors go beyond the scope of your canine rehabilitation skills, consider the services of either a professional animal-behavior specialist or dog trainer. A behavior specialist can identify and treat any deeper emotional conditions that might be causing your dog̵7;s problematic behavior. Professional dog trainers teach basic obedience, exercises and tricks that eliminate boredom and promote desired behaviors. If considering either an animal-behavior specialist or dog trainer, ask your veterinarian for a list of qualified individuals in your community.