How to Stop a Dog From Eating Things When You're Not Home

Whether your dog eats inappropriate things at every opportunity or only when you're away from home, putting an end to the destructive behavior is good for both of you. The best course of action is to treat the root of the problem, which could be boredom, separation anxiety or even a medical problem. In any case, if you treat the problem, you finally can compel him to stop eating, chewing and otherwise destroying your things.

  1. Rule Out Illness

    • The first motivator to rule out is illness, because ending your dog's inappropriate chewing could be as simple as taking a trip to the vet. For example, dogs with nutritional deficiencies may eat inappropriate things, like houseplants -- and if he knows that doing so gets a negative reaction, he may wait until you leave the house to do it. Ask your veterinarian about your dog's chewing problem, and you may find out that his compulsion is biological, not psychological. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

    Treating Separation Anxiety

    • If your dog eats inappropriate things only when you're away, he could be coping with separation anxiety. Some dogs become too stressed when left home alone, and it manifests in destructive behavior, like chewing on anything he can get his paws on. It may even lead to self-destructive behavior, so conditioning is key. Depending on the severity of his separation anxiety, you may need a professional behaviorist or trainer to recommend the proper course of treatment. Otherwise, simply giving him special treats when you are gone and leaving him alone for increasingly longer periods can train him to accept being by himself.

    Increase Toy Appeal

    • A combination of boredom and missing you can drive your dog to chew selectively on inappropriate items more than the things you give him. For example, you may come home to find your underwear mangled and shredded, but his new rubber toy pristine. If your dog is ignoring the chew toys you give him, increase their appeal. For example, stuffing a hollow rubber toy with peanut butter can keep him busy as he works to dig it all out. Alternatively, keep his toys in your dirty laundry before you give them to him -- they'll smell just as appetizing as your gym socks, which is just the way he likes it.

    Hide the Goods

    • Prevention is one of the best ways to treat inappropriate eating, so when you're away from home, keep the contraband out of reach. If your dog likes to eat dirty clothes, for example, keep the hamper behind closed doors. If he has a taste for houseplants, put them up where he can't reach. You may even find that crating your dog while you're away from home alleviates his anxiety -- and it certainly keeps him from accessing that which should not be eaten.