I keep him in the house all the time unless we are at work, and even then I come home for lunch every day and let him in. He doesn't tear up anything in the house that isn't his. He chews up his toys, but never shoes or anything like that. So why does he tear up garden hoses, trash bags, and break terra cotta pots the instant I leave him alone in the yard? Could he just be lonely and getting even with me for going to work?
2007-02-23 05:15:26 · 14 answers · asked by Shepherd 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
As a puppy, you trained him that things in the house are yours and not to be chewed but I bet that did not include things in the yard????
Dogs do not do things to "get even" and he is just bored with being left alone during the day. You can either work toward training for the yard (do the same during off time as you would while at work and catch him and correct it) or get him a play mate to occupy his time instead of being destructive.
2007-02-23 05:22:23 · answer #1 · answered by mom tree 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
More likely then lonely he just has too much pent up energy and he's releasing it on all of your belongings. If you have the time you might want to try taking him on a long walk before putting him in the yard... I think you may see some improvement.
Also does he have any toys in the yard? A good nylabone or kong might help to distract him from the items you don't want him chewing. You may need to spend some time out there with him and every time he goes for a hose or pot, tell him no and redirect his attention to one of his toys. If he learned to do this in the house it shows he can learn to do the same in the yard.
2007-02-23 13:22:31 · answer #2 · answered by Scruffy Dog 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is this something that he has always done or is this a new thing he started to do recently? If it is something that he has been doing all his life it may be a behavioral problem and you could speak to your vet about this. If this is something new, ask yourself "Has anything changed?". New furniture? New baby? Remodeling? Landscaping? Your hours at work? He may be acting out or he just may get bored at home all day. Try putting some extra toys in the yard for him to play with and move anything that he can break out of his reach. This may help. Shepards are very intelegent and like to keep busy. Good luck.
2007-02-23 13:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by shadowsthathunt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be very possible that he's suffering from very mild separation anxiety, and trying to show you that he doesn't like it...however I believe that if this was the case, he would be destroying things in the house as well as the yard. Have you ever caught him in the act of destroying things in the house? If so, has he been reprimanded for it? if the answer is yes to both of these, it could be possible that he's destroying things outside only, because he knows the house is offlimits, and is unaware that destroying things outside is a no-no. What you should do with him, is take him outside at a time when you know you'll be able to be outside with him. As soon as you see him in the act of doing something you don't like, say very loudly and clearly "no". The second he looks at you, and stops the behavior, praise and give him treats. Eventually he'll learn that you like it better when he DOESN'T do those things, then when he does:)
2007-02-23 13:37:47 · answer #4 · answered by m_turkoc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to install a doggie door. They're not very expensive (about $75 at Home Depot), and they're pretty easy to install by yourself if you have the tools. This way, your dog can go in and out as he pleases. If he's more comfortable in the house, he can just hang out inside and just go outside when he wants to.
2007-02-23 13:24:14 · answer #5 · answered by SE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you may be on to something when you say he may be lonely...dogs especially your dog who is a working breed, need a lot of exercise. I have a working breed dog also and have to walk him every day to get out his built up energy. I know it may be hard to do, but give your pet a walk as often as you can, for at least a half hour a day. Its good for you and your pet!
2007-02-23 13:36:03 · answer #6 · answered by eva diane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 13 month old female German Sheppard and she does the same thing. Oh, puppies, aren't they little darlings? I got big limbs off of trees that mine has drug from the back yard. Big ole branches 10,12 feet long and 5 or 6 inches in diameter.
I am waiting for her to grow up. LOL Looking forward to it.
2007-02-23 13:28:04 · answer #7 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Possibly. Maybe he doesn't like being outside. Can he hold his urine until you come home for lunch? I'd try leaving him inside and see what happens. If you have a basement that would be good. Make sure you have a warm bed for him.
2007-02-23 13:21:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk the dog more. He is bored. Separation anxiety. Check out Bark Busters they are all over USA and Canada.They train dogs out of problems and have a lifetime guarentee.
2007-02-23 15:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He gets bored. I also agree with the other answer that you taught him things are his and what is yours but never included outside things. I am going through the same thing with my alaskan malamute. shovel handles, hoses, and everything I do not put away right away
2007-02-23 13:29:57 · answer #10 · answered by dornewassj4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋