How to Stop Your Dog from Destroying Things When You’re Gone

Everyone loves their furry friends, but coming home to a destroyed couch or shredded curtains can be a real bummer. If you’re looking for ways to stop your dog from wreaking havoc while you’re out of the house, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is packed with practical tips, scientific research, and tried-and-true methods for preventing destructive behaviour in dogs. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!

Understanding Why Dogs Destroy Things

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand why dogs destroy things. There are several reasons why your furry friend might be acting out:

• Boredom: Dogs are highly energetic creatures and if they’re left alone for too long, they might start to get bored. This can lead to destructive behaviour, like chewing on furniture or digging holes in the backyard.

• Separation anxiety: Some dogs experience separation anxiety when their owners are away. This can cause them to act out and destroy things as a way of coping with the stress of being alone.

• Lack of exercise: If your dog isn’t getting enough physical activity, they might start to act out by destroying things. This is especially true for high-energy breeds like border collies or Australian shepherds.

• Hunger or thirst: If your dog is feeling hungry or thirsty, they might start to chew on furniture or other objects to try to find a source of food or water.

Tips for Preventing Destructive Behaviour in Dogs

Now that we understand why dogs might destroy things, let’s talk about how to prevent this behaviour. Here are some of the most effective tips for keeping your home in one piece:

1. Provide plenty of exercise and playtime: Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent destructive behaviour in dogs. Make sure your dog gets plenty of playtime and physical activity each day, and consider taking them for a brisk walk or run in the morning and evening.

2. Keep your dog entertained: If you’re going to be away from home for several hours, make sure your dog has plenty of toys and chew bones to keep them entertained. You can also invest in puzzle toys or interactive toys that require your dog to solve a problem in order to get a treat.

3. Give your dog a safe space: Dogs that experience separation anxiety might feel better if they have a safe and cozy space to retreat to when they’re feeling stressed. You can create this space by setting up a crate or playpen in a quiet room of your home.

4. Limit access to destructive items: If your dog has a tendency to chew on furniture or other household items, make sure these items are out of reach. You can use baby gates or simply keep doors closed to prevent your dog from accessing the items they like to destroy.

5. Address any underlying health issues: If your dog’s destructive behaviour seems to be worsening or becoming more frequent, it’s possible that there is an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Make sure to take your dog to the vet for a check-up to rule out any medical problems.

6. Consider training and behaviour modification: If your dog’s destructive behaviour is caused by separation anxiety or boredom, it might be helpful to invest in some training or behaviour modification. You can work with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviourist to help your dog learn to feel more confident and secure when you’re not home.

No one wants to come home to a destroyed home, but with a little patience, training, and the right tools, you can prevent your dog from wreaking havoc when you’re gone. By giving your dog plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and training, you’ll keep them happy and content, and your home will remain intact.