My 1 year old Great Dane is home alone during the day - what can I do to avoid her tearing up stuff?

Question

My great dane is home alone for most of the day as we work full time. We got her a dog companion so she doesn't feel so alone! Unfortunately, she still seems to feel abandonned. They stay in a 10 x 10 kennel in our garage! We can't leave the pillows in it as she will shred them to pieces! Recently we invested in some linoleum so they are not on the cement and she even managed to tear a huge hole in it!! What can I do to stop that?

We can not leave her outside all day as she will dig in the yard and even has dug out bushes and small trees. We play with her for 15 minutes or so in the morning before we leave! She has tore up any rug we put in there so far!

Answer 1

Don't spank your dog! I can't believe nobody else was annoyed by that answer. She is just trying to occupy herself. She also might have some separation anxiety because she LOVES YOU so much and it's hard for her when you are gone. The best bet would be to talk to your veterinarian, about things that are safe to be left with her when you are gone, etc. Don't give up on her either. If everyone gave their dog or cat away whenever a problem like this came up, then nobody would be able to keep their pet! The good news is that with age this will probably improve. In the meantime, getting there is the goal, and you can do it. Maybe she is just going to be like that, and you'll have to only leave things with her that you don't mind having destroyed. You can buy things cheap at Goodwill even, if it's the cost that worries you. Just don't give up on her.

Answer 2

Your Dane is still barely out of puppy-hood and needs to be kept occupied. Boredom is the usual cause of destruction. There are many toys available that are interactive and make the dog think, such as toys that are filled with treats that the dog has to do something with to make the treats come out, or toys that have toys inside them. I'll list some examples below.

Other ideas is a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or a dog biscuit wedged in it.

You are basically looking for something that will occupy her mind and keep her busy. Good luck!

Answer 3

I agree with the first answer. Get up a little earlier is youhave to and take them for a one hour walk. Then when you get home, you will have to do this again. They are high energy dogs and they are trying to burn up their energy by ripping things up. Is there any way you could build a dog run for them that could be attached to the garage? That way they could also get outside to run around when you aren't there? If that's not an option, maybe have someone come by to let them out for 1/2 hour.

Answer 4

It's common for puppies to continue chewing on objects until they're 1 1/2 to 2 years old, and chew they will - on everything from your best shoes to your windowsill. Here's how to show your dog that there are better things to chew on.

Instructions
STEP 1: Determine whether the chewing stems from teething, curiosity, boredom or a behavioral disorder. Discuss these options with your veterinarian or an animal-behavior specialist.

STEP 2: Give a teething puppy a teething ring or a frozen washcloth to chew on.

STEP 3: Watch your puppy constantly. Use a baby gate to keep him in the same room as you, or crate-train your puppy and put him in the crate with toys for short periods when you're unable to supervise.

STEP 4: Divert your puppy's attention to something appropriate, such as a dog toy, when you catch him chewing. Have toys of soft and hard textures available, and rotate them to preempt boredom.

STEP 5: Set aside specific times for your puppy to interact with you: practicing obedience training exercises, learning tricks, exercising and going on outdoor adventures.

STEP 6: Exercise your puppy, and play with him using toys. If he's tired, he won't have the energy to chew.

Tips & Warnings
- Use chew toys designed for dogs. They are inexpensive and safe and will teach your dog what is OK to chew on.
- Some household items that are safe for your dog to play with, under your supervision, are card-board boxes and paper bags.
- Obedience training by itself won't change behavioral disorders. You may need to correct the underlying problem with the help of an animal-behavior specialist.

Answer 5

Well, what would you expect from a puppy that is left alone all day? Naturally she gets destructive when she is bored. And she won't be mature until she is 3 years old.

Get her a pet sitter, take her to doggy daycare, or realize that she is too young to be left alone all day and rehome her with a Dane rescue.

Answer 6

sounds like she is bored! she needs toys, like a stuffed kong or bones to chew to keep her from tearing up the floor. she may never stop tearing up pillows (it's fun, and you aren't there to catch her and scold her for it). even if there is another dog, she can still be bored. how do the two dogs get along? i get nervous about the idea of leaving toys for two unsupervised dogs, because even the best of pals can get in a fight over a bone or good toy. it guess that is up to you.

Answer 7

Put a rug or old blanket under the kennel that will get her off the cold floor but she should not be able to chew thru the kennel

Answer 8

Take her for a nice walk in the morning and when you get home. You might have to wake up a bit earlier, but your dog will appreciate it!!

Answer 9

Crate training. I think the only thing you can do is put her in a cage when you're gone. Or if you can afford it you can always take her to a doggie daycare.

Answer 10

but her in the crate with lots of toys and a bowl of water.Or you can look her into one pacific room like the kitchen with dog gates.But make sure she has plenty of things to chew on.Take it from a girl with a puppy of her own.