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It’s every doggy guardian’s worst fear: coming home to a house torn to shreds—garbage strewn across the floor, electronics equipment torn apart, maybe a nice puddle of urine for good measure. The destructive dog can be very frustrating, no matter how much we love them. So what is it, exactly, that drives our dogs to destruction while we’re away?
Is this a simple case of while-the-hooman’s-away-doggo-will-play? Not necessarily. Yes, some dogs are destructive out of boredom or under-stimulation, but others may be suffering from fear or anxiety when left alone that drives them to tear things apart.
Knowing the motivation behind your dog’s destructive behavior is the key to making it stop. Want to know whether your dog is throwing a party while you’re away or scared half to death? Our guide to the destructive dog will help you figure it out.
The Godzilla Dog
Type of destruction: Damage in several different areas; getting into the garbage can or food left on counters; tearing apart objects that your dog may perceive to be a “fun toy” (think remote controls, shoes, etc.)
Why did your dog do it?
This type of all-over Godzilla-like devastation is a sure sign of a dog that’s bored or understimulated when left alone.
What to do about it?
The Godzilla Dog needs more to do—both before you’ve left the house and after. Dogs that throw this kind of party when left alone probably aren’t receiving enough exercise or mental stimulation during the day. In this case, your destructive dog is likely very smart, and/or needs a job to do!
Be sure to take your dog on a extra long walk, play an epic session of fetch, or go for a run before you leave. While you’re away, leave your dog one or more puzzle toys like a KONG filled with delicious goodies. Pro-tip: a KONG will last longer if it includes layers of something creamy and is frozen for a few hours before you leave.
Hiding yummy goodies around the house (preferably wrapped up in paper or hidden in toys to give your dog additional stimulation) and/or using an auto-feeder like the Manners Minder can also help to keep your dog busy when alone.
Finally, book a trusted dog walker or pet sitter if your dog has to be alone for long hours.
The Panicked Dog
Type of destruction: Damage around or on doors and windows or at a specific location where the owner spends a lot of time like the bed or couch; urination or defecation from a house-trained dog; puddles of drool or sweaty paw marks.
Why did your dog do it?
This type of destruction is most commonly seen in a dog that’s having a panic attack when left alone. Their destruction is intended to find you—either literally, by escaping the house, or figuratively, by getting as much of your scent as possible. Urine, drool, and other bodily fluids are released out of fear.
What to do about it?
The Panicked Dog is suffering from extreme anxiety when left alone. Their destructive dog behavior is a result of isolation distress or separation anxiety.
Gear like ThunderShirts and DAP collars or diffusers can help, but aren’t likely to solve the problem. Preventing your dog from destruction by putting them into a crate, while it may prevent the damage (if it even does that), may increase rather than decrease your dog’s fear.
The only way to stop these behaviors is to help your dog to understand that they’re safe when left alone. In most cases this means gradually desensitizing your dog to being to being left for longer and longer periods of time alone. [Any more quick practical tips on how to do this, or a link to a detailed explanation of how much time, etc? -RS]
The Trapped Dog
Type of destruction: Clawing at or tearing apart the walls of a crate; shredding and possibly eating the crate’s bedding; breaking teeth or nails during the destruction; drooling and/or urination/defecation.
Why did your dog do it?
The Trapped Dog is a version of the Panicked Dog: they’re destructive not because they want to be but because they’re terrified. The difference is that a dog that panics inside of a crate is trapped in a tiny space, which compounds their fear. In this case, as above, the destructive dog is
What to do about it?
Many dogs that suffer from isolation distress or separation anxiety also suffer from confinement distress, meaning that the less space they have to move around in, the more frightened they will be.
The first step to improving the situation is to give your dog more space by setting up a larger confinement area (for example, a room closed off with a baby gate) or even giving your dog free run of the house.
Once that switch is made, the key to solving the issue will be the same type of desensitization training that the Panicked Dog requires. Hooking up with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) or Veterinary Behaviorist can help move your dog away from destruction and toward relaxation when left alone.
Tools to Help
Sometimes caring for a dog takes a village! If you plan to leave your pet for longer than normal, consider boarding them with a sitter for constant care. A trusted sitter can provide a watchful eye and plenty of playtime in your absence.
In addition, these anti-anxiety tools may help your destructive dog, as mentioned in the article. Combine these tools with training techniques!
Classic KONG
Can be stuffed with goodies from peanut butter to kibble (and even frozen) to give dogs a motivating challenge.
2. Manners Minder
Remote reward dog trainer that helps link food to a desired behavior. Supports your training efforts from afar!
3. ThunderShirt
Research shows that a vest that applies gentle, steady pressure can be calming for dogs.