Dogs are social animals and as humans we tend to be their pack or family. If separated from their 'family' they show their distress by crying or scratching or chewing. This destructive behaviour distracts your anxious pet and becomes a vicious cycle of destruction and bad behaviour and stress release.
Treatment of Destructive Behaviour
*Provide your pet with plenty of attention, exercise and healthy food.
*Muzzles can be used in the short term for brief periods.
*Do not give feel guilt and show a large amount of affection just before leaving as your dog will sense your departure. Make your departure short and fairly abrupt.
*Make sure that your dog does not know your next move so return after a short time or wear different clothes.
*Leave the TV, radio or lights on when you are out or access to a favourite chair or bed.
*Desensitise your pet by leaving him for longer and longer periods of time and praising your pet when you return and there has been no destructive behaviour. Take it very slowly and keep records.
*DO NOT punish your pet when you return to a chewed mat. Just ignoring your pet will reduce his anxiety.
*Try to separate yourself from your pet when at home by gently closing the door to him if he follows you from room to room.
*Praise him when you open the door again and he has remained quiet.
*There are drugs that we can prescribe for severe cases to calm your pet. They must be combined with these behavioural changes.
*Have your pet checked by your vet if he is normally good but suddenly starts to be destructive as it could be a sign of discomfort or pain.
*Never give your puppy toys to chew that resemble items that you do not want him to destroy such as shoes!
*Crate training can be used in puppies which forces your puppy to get used to a routine where he has to be separated from you. It also means that he is safe from destroying dangerous items.
*Be patient, most cases have very good success rates.
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