My dog destroys everything when I leave the house. I have to keep him a crate during the day so he won't?

Question

Is there anything he needs me to do so he doesn't freak out. It's a seperation anxiety thing

By the way I have only had him for a few months..he was a rescue dog, so NO, it's not my fault

I spend alot of time with my dog and his crate is quite large. This was his only option...I saved him from getting put down that day. I am a good dog owner you rude people!

Answer 1

He needs some training to build his confidence up so that he won't be so anxious when you leave. Socialising with other people and dogs will help too and possible environment enrichment.

If you go to this forum linked below, there is a trainer there can help you, she is excellent and her training methods don't cause further issues in the dog.

Answer 2

You didn't say how old your dog is, but if he's a pup, then I would keep him in a crate until he's over the puppy stage.
If he's older, then the only thing I can say is that you haven't trained him that it's NOT OK to destroy everything. I don't think it's a bad thing to keep him in a crate during the day. Just make sure it's big and he has plenty of room to move around in it and toys to keep him occupied. Maybe he's frieking out because he needs a bigger crate...if he's all cramped up for hours on end, it's no wonder he's upset.

Answer 3

I agree with many above. Dogs are individuals like people. Simple answers do not apply. Taking your dog to a trainer (and bringing yourself along) sounds like it is probably the best course. If it truly is an anxiety thing, your dog needs to feel secure when it is alone. Just be sure to be involved in the training. The training won't hold if you are not involved. Small changes in your own behavior can make a huge difference.

Answer 4

Putting a dog in a crate to deal with your problem is cruel. I suspect you are not providing sufficient excesses and mental stimulation for your dog. A dog is a pack animal, they need to socialise and play either with humans or preferably with other dogs. It is not separation anxiety or any other pseudo psychological, it is boredom, constipation or just too much energy. No bad dogs only bad owners. I speak from experience my dog was rejected by her previous owners because she destroyed their house when they left her alone. Now, a few months later, she is perfectly well behaved

Answer 5

a lot of dogs do that i also have to crate mine when i leave the house. i try to give her a lot of attention and play with her before i go and give her a lot of attention when i get home. if i don't crate her it does not matter how long i am gone even a few min she will chew up everything and spread the trash all over the house. i have asked my vet he said some dogs grow out of it, after a while they realize their master is coming home but a lot don't. also you can watch the dog whisper show or see if they have a web sight you can go to he specializes is dog behavior

Answer 6

It does sound like seperation anxiety, talk to your vet, he will have suggests or even meds possible to help him. My sister had a dog that done the same thing, what worked for her was spending extra time with him and crating him when she was away from home. Yes for short period of time he was on meds.

Answer 7

Start playing with your dog more. Take the dog to training. Get yourself and your dog trained. Training is as much about training you to deal with your pet as it is about training a dog. 9 times out of 10 it's 'attention' and nothing else. If a dog's tearing things up they're just making a den -- to make a home for you two to share. Remember dogs are pack animals. They help each other out and he's doing what he instinctively knows as comforting.

Remember a dog is essentially a 2 year old. They need food, they need support, they need to be let out. If you're consistent with your behavior, your dog will be too. Really work with your dog teach him things and make him smarter and you're going to be really pleased with the results, but you have to make time for your pet. Your dog will eventually learn (with your consistent training and help) that you like your house clean, that you like things intact, and he does too.

Answer 8

Sometimes it helps if you leave a TV or something on... I gives the sense that people are still in the house.... or at least it breaks the silence. My older sister actually moved the crate in front of the TV when she left the house a her lab calmed down a bit.

Answer 9

ok, it's not cuz you didn't train him properly, it is seperation anxiety. dogs are social animals, and don't like being alone. (i have proof. don't ask). anyway, here are some options.

1. Get him another playmate.
2. Put him outside connected to a rope, hopefully a fenced backyard so no one can steal him.
3. Keep him in one room that's completely dog proof. (worst option, cuz almost no room is dog proof, and he will feel captured).

good luck! and tell ur dog he's probably cute for me. (^_^) (~_*)

Answer 10

If you don't train him, there is nothing wrong with leaving him in the crate. Just be sure he's been walked beforehand. Please talk to a trainer or someone with training knowledge. Your dog doesn't know what's expected of him if you don't show him.