dog behavior?

Question

we have a dog and that dog belongs to one member of the family and he is closest to that person.
when she goes out, the dog often goes into her room and chews on her mattress. he has already ruined one mattress. we try to keep him out but he usually manages to get back in eventually.
my question is, why does he chew this one person's mattress and not anyone else's? he loves her the best by far.
thanks.

most of the time, she takes care of him, but sometimes she is away for a couple of days or a few weeks. we were wondering if he acts up because he is not sure if she is coming back when she goes out.

Answer 1

Fiddo is not happy when the master leaves without him. He associates the bed with his master's personal space and to get even he chews up the mattress. My Rontu did not mind me going to work or shop or visit etc but when the man I later married and I went out, Rontu left his statement in front of the door to my space. Rontu's message was always an enormous pile of __it. Otherwise he was perfectly housebroken at all other times. My daughter's Smores simply goes to her shoes -the ones she is not currently wearing ofcourse and urinates in every pair. It hurts when the one you love goes out on you and Fiddo is making that statement. Maybe when she is out you could make that time a happier time and walk the dog, take it outback for some frisby, or for a ride to get a cone or burger at a drive thru and eventually I will bet he would not mind her leaving as much. Tho a little of it may be plain jealousy too. When I first met my exhubby, my dog would meet him at the door, turn and urinate on his leg. There is a message in his madness, trust me-it makes him unhappy so I really would try making him happy while she is gone so he can quit doing that. at least you know he is loyal and devoted!

Answer 2

This is actually not so uncommon. The funny thing about this...the dog is not trying to be destructive. Some dogs suffer from anxiety when their owners are gone. In your family member's dogs case by chewing on the mattress this is the dogs attempt at being as close as possible to it's owner. In some cases it's common the dog urinates on something that holds a strong sent of their owners(potty trained or not) I know it sounds crazy but remember we are talking about dogs.
Best of luck.

Answer 3

It sound like seperation anxiety. A vet can give pills. Pet stores also sells a plug in thats $40+ that lasts a month and works well on most dogs. Also, if you give the dog a tee shirt with that persons scent on it and leave it in a small room with the dog it helps sometimes too.

Answer 4

It sounds like a case of separation anxiety to me. If she's going to be gone ,try giving the dog an item of clothing with her scent on it.Most importantly make sure the dog is well exercised ,even exhausted, he is far less likely to be destructive if tired. Also if he associates extra activity with her absence it may become less upsetting. The best way to bond with a dog is by walking, If you feel the dog is closer to her, that can be changed by walking. Also a special toy "A BUDDY" that he gets only when she is away might help.

Answer 5

This sounds like an aquired nervous habit. This dog obviously has an emotional attachment to her. If he is able to get enough exercise, attention, affection an healthy interaction even in her absence he should not be chewing like this. Perhaps some chewing bones or rawhide could help.

Answer 6

was this person the only person taking care of the dog? the dog might have taken that person as her trainer and everyone else just that person's friend.

Answer 7

Well maybe because shes leaveing him so he misses her alot. So he does that to tell her not to leave him again.

Answer 8

the dog is prob craving attention

Answer 9

Simply look into seperation anxiety.You will find your answers!!!!