Every time we leave our dog alone in the house he scratches the hell out of the carpet, what do I do?

Question

I don't want to have to crate him because he's never been locked up before, but I don't know what else to do. HELP!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

I know you don't want to crate train because your dog has "never been locked up before", but please reconsider your stance about the crate and read up on crate training before you make the decision that you don't want to do it.

Being crated is not a horrible experience for a dog and you can crate train any dog at any age. The thing is that a crate actually is a natural environment for a dog - both dogs and wolves will create a den if they are living outside and are left to their own devices. A den is usually a small, safe area where wolves go to sleep and also to have and raise their pups. It's within a dog's instinct to "den".

When you get a crate, you're giving your dog a "safe place" to go and spend time in as well as sleep. Dogs quickly learn that being in the crate means going to bed. Whereas a dog that's left outside often gets bored and might get into things. Some dogs left loose in the house cannot be trusted because they get into mischief, and others suffer from anxiety and stress because they now have to make decisions in the absence of their pack leader - dogs are pack animals and having to make the "decisions" while the pack leader is away is very stressful for some dogs and results in undesirable behavior.

I would purchase a nice plastic crate. Those are safer and harder to escape from for a dog than wire crates. They also create more of a den-like feeling because they're more closed in. Make the crate a place for your dog to sleep every nice - put his bed in it and walk him into the crate before you go to bed at night. Close the door and go to bed. Then let him out first thing in the morning. Never make it a big deal. Ignore him if he fusses at first - it's a big change if he's never been crated.

In the long run, this would be the best solution. Your dog and your house will be safe in your absence.

Answer 2

Crate training your dog is not locking him up! It ensures the safety of the dog and you carpet while you are away from home. Dogs are den animals so he would be more comfortable in a kennel because it is a safe place where he can relax. I have always crate trained my dogs and they are never upset to go in there kennel but actually will sleep in their kennel with the door open.

Answer 3

Keep his nails short as possible, leave a radio playing so it's not so lonely in the house, and invest in some toys...If you have a garage you could try putting him out there so there is more room to move around, and less chance of carpet..Of course you'll want to put a soft bed out there or at least something comfy to lay on..Tearing up your carpet is a sure sign that your dog is lonely and frustrated... Can you maybe get another dog to keep him company? Or is there someone you can leave him with while you are away? He needs more stimulation to keep from getting bored..

Answer 4

You are explaining why it is most important to crate train your dogs when they are puppies.

I have 2 dogs and 3 cats in the house and the dogs are well behaved and crate trained, they sometimes will go on thier own when they want some peace and quiet.

Good luck and god bless.

Answer 5

Leave the radio on but not too loud, so he'll hear voices. Next, try putting an article of clothing, that belongs to you or another family member, near where he sleeps. The scent on the clothing will comfort him while you're away. I have tryed both & they worked well. Perhaps, he should have been caged from the beginning, if you were his first owner. If nothing works, call your vet for advice. They'd be glad to help out.

Answer 6

Your can leave him in a room alone and see what he does If her scratches it spray him with a spray bottle or when you leave the house you can put his food dish in a room where the door closes or you can kennel train him By keeping him in a kennel when your home to see what he'll do!

Answer 7

Crate train your dog. there's nothing wrong with training your dog to be confined. it's a win-win situation. you don't have a torn up carpet and the dog does not have to be reprimanded for the behavior.
if you put your dog outside, it will find other behavior that will undoubtedly irritate your neighbors who will not put up with it for long.

Answer 8

your dog has seperation anxiety. lets try some keep him busy idea's first. try turning the radio or tv on. Kong makes a treat ball. you fill it full of treats and he has to try to get them out. my dogs love that one. You can find the best price at jefferspets.com they may have something else in there you might like.
I found with one of my dogs she felt she had to do something naughty so when I took her to work with me. i would leave a bag in the car with a chew bone in it just a little unwrapped. she would unwrap it and get it. She did her something naughty opening a bag and she got a treat to keep her busy till my break when I could walk her. she got use to the routine. So if you can find something that is not to big of a deal that he can have that is naughty. then he feels he is getting back at you and you can just say oh you naughty dog. no real punshment. busy busy busy. Call the house if you have an answer machine and talk to him

Answer 9

think of a crate exactly the way you would think of a playpen or crib for a baby.... it is for the safety of the dog and for your peace of mind you are not LOCKING him up//

Answer 10

try keeping him in a room where there isn't any carpet. maybe a kitchen or bathroom. give him some toys, things that he knows hes allowed to chew on, and maybe in addition a bowl of food. and try rawhide bones, it keeps them busy for hours!