Dog habbits?

Question

Ok recently my pup started destroying the house when we leave. He has never done this before. Last night he ate two bags of cupcakes and muffins that where on the counter, chewed up a DVD and it's case. Even chewed through my daughter bag. If we put him in the garage then he whines and whimpers and barks and I don't want to bother the neighbors or have them call someone because he is doing this. He is only left alone for a couple of hours three days a week. I don't know what has gotten into him. Like I said he just started doing this and nothing in the situation has changed. Any advice? Thanks

He is a pup and is 6 months old.

Answer 1

Dogs, like children, can get separation anxiety. They also get bored. Let's face it, in the wild dogs would play with siblings, and hunt for food. Hunting not only gives food, it is something "to do". The best way to handle this is to buy a "kong" dog toy. They can be found at any of the pet supply chains. The kong is stuffed with regular dog food or treats and given to the pet when you leave. If you stuff it properly, it will take the dog at least a couple of hours to get all the goody out, keeping him occupied. Once it is empty, the kong is still fun because it is bouncy and can be chewed on. The only important things to remember is to buy the correct size. Too big and it will be too easy; too small and it will be frustrating. The kongs come with a little recipe sheet, or you can purchase "kong stuffins". My dog's favorite is a mashed banana that I mix with a tablespoon of peanut butter and some wheat germ. Then I stuff it into the kong and freeze it. We live in the deep south where it gets hot and he loves this frozen treat! Keeps him occupied for a least a couple of hours, and anytime he sees the kong, he gets excited; instead of getting anxious that I am leaving. Just saw the posts about crate training; definitely a must! Just put the kong in the crate with the dog.

Answer 2

I had a similar issue about a week ago, and everyone suggested that I kennel train my dog when I'm away. So, as sad as it was for me, I got her a cage-style kennel, and I started putting her in there when I'm away. Within a few days she became less anxious when I left the house. She actually likes the kennel now, and I keep her food and water inside there. One important thing is not to use the kennel as punishment. Sometimes I stick my dog in there and pretend like I'm leaving, but then I come right back into the apartment and let her out. Or other times I put her in there while I'm on the computer; I give her a treat and let her out when she's done with it. The point is that she doesn't view the kennel as something bad.

Answer 3

I crate train my puppy while im away. Hes still a puppy and likes to get into things.I would crate your puppy yes he will whine for about a week when you put him in there but you have to set boundries,Dont pay him attention let him whine. he doesnt run the house you do.He is safe and so is your home. I thought it was horrible at first but he loves his crate. This is normal puppy behavior. Also when you come home do you scold him? Let me tell he dont know what your yelling at him for.. dogs only remember 60 seconds back. if you catch him in the act then you can yell.. Also before you go out give him a long walk. he will be tired and mostly sleep while your gone!! Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 4

It's just a way to show you he is angry because you leave him alone. Before you leave the house, check to find any objects which he may destroy( food, towels,DVDs etc.) and hide them. Give him a toy or something he likes chewing before you leave. Don't punish him when you come back, because he won't understand what he is being punished for. Now for the garage, he probably stops whining when he understands you're gone, so unless the neighbors have told you he continues barking, there is no problem.

Answer 5

The BEST thing to do, and I bet most vets would agree, is to Kennel train them which means to put them in a kennel WHENEVER they are unaccompanied. A lot of people think it seems inhumane to do this, but in the wild, dogs feel more secure when they are in a 'den' type of environment, aka the kennel. It also helps if they have problems urinating all over the house because it teaches them to hold it in until you get home and let them out(dogs do NOT like to urinate where they are sleeping/resting). Just do not leave your dog, especially if it's a young puppy, in the kennel for for than a few hours. Other than that it's fine as well as recommended because they will sleep in the kennel.
Hope this all helped.

Answer 6

Another vote for crate training!
Puppies chew everything; what if he eats something REALLY bad next time? He could get seriously sick or even die.
But don't give him rawhide in his crate. It's not safe. Go to the pet store and get some toys that are safe, indestructible, and that he's not going to swallow and choke on while you're out.

Also, giving the little guy plenty of exercise can really help as many dogs chew as a result of boredom and pent-up energy.

Answer 7

It's just because he is a puppy and he gets bored.
Get a room that you can let him in alone and gate it up, or put him the the bathroom when you leave and make sure everything is off the floor.
There is a spray called bitter apple that you can get at petstores that you spray on anything you dont want the dog to eat and then spray it in his mouth the dogs dont like this at all, so when the smell it on anything they wont chew it. it helps
Well good luck

Answer 8

first, puppy proof, dont leave ANYTHING where he can get it

second, crate or room train...by room training i mean he stays in 1 room when your out, usually a bathroom or a kitchen were there not much he can destroy...

sounds liek seperation anxiety and likelyhood is, when your gone, when hes not chewing hes howling and crying anyway, so id try the crate training as the neighbors have already heard the noise.

Answer 9

My adult lab did that too. We got a kennel for him. He whined at first, but got so used to it, that he would go in there on his own to take a nap. It was his safe place, where he could be left alone, and not get in trouble. It is not cruel, it is a safety issue. He is suffering from anxiety because he is used to you being around. It is a very normal thing for dogs to do this, especially if they are young. Kennels are a great solution!

Good luck!

Peace, ♥ & Happiness

Answer 10

Do a search on dog training...the dogs is doing this because he is bored. He likely does it right after you leave, and by the time you get back, has forgotten what he has done, so punishing him will do no good.

The best thing to do is to get a crate or kennel for him to stay in when you're out.