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They set strict laws for the dog that must be followed. Another mentally tiring activity for your dog is training, which I’ll be discussing next. Your dog will have to move lids or remove some parts to get to the treats. Some toys have to be moved around to make the treats fall out. Take a long walk with your dog in the morning before you leave for work. It’s going to tire them out, and they’ll sleep most of the day.
A dog with separation anxiety might try to escape from an area where he’s confined when he’s left alone or separated from his guardian. The dog might attempt to dig and chew through doors or windows, which could result in self-injury, such as broken teeth, cut and scraped front paws and damaged nails. If the dog’s escape behavior is caused by separation anxiety, it doesn’t occur when his guardian is present. A key aspect to curbing your dog’s destructive chewing is changing your own schedule to ensure they are properly exercised before your leave each day. A long hike or play session when you return home from work is wonderful, but cannot take the place of stimulation first thing in the morning. Like I mentioned above, a lack of mental and physical exercise is so commonly the issue behind destructive chewing.
Destructive dogs – Stop them destroying your home
The chewing calms down your dog by releasing endorphins. This will help dogs who don’t like to be alone or those with anxiety. You can stuff the other ⅔ of the kibble in other Kongs and give it to your dog at the appropriate times of the day.
They just wish they were playing with you and this is the only way they can express their desire and frustration. Being left alone, especially when they ran wild, meant danger. A larger predator could snatch up even the quickest dog if they were by their lonesome. There was safety in numbers so being left on their own still can rub dogs the wrong way.
#6: Give your dog a busy day
Another reason could be a recent change in routine. So if your dog’s schedule changed, they could be bothered by it. It’s the last thing you want to see after a long day.
Before leaving him in his crate, rub the Kong or toy between your palms. Consider adding a daily supplement like Calming Care to his food to help manage anxiety. Crate or confine your dog to a single room when he’s home alone. If your dog is not crate trained or the crate causes additional stress, try switching to confining him one room. If you return home to any destruction your dog is probably anxious about being separated from you. It contains tried-and-true methods for managing many common pet behavior problems as well as tools for evaluating situations that may require additional resources.
Can Dogs Stay Home ALONE? (+5 Helpful Tips)
In short, give them things to do in order to stop their boredom. One of the best things about having a dog is the bond your create. Sometimes, this bond is so strong that your little furry friend might not know how to be independent. About 10% of all puppies and older dogs experience some level of separation anxiety.
With a commitment to these five steps you will get your dog’s destructive chewing under control. Some dogs can become anxious when left alone or when their family isn’t present. One common symptom of separation anxiety can be destructive chewing. While treatment can sometimes be tricky, here are tips that may help your dog feel more comfortable when alone. One treatment approach to this “predeparture anxiety” is to teach your dog that when you pick up your keys or put on your coat, it doesn’t always mean that you’re leaving. You can do this by exposing your dog to these cues in various orders several times a day—without leaving.
Set your dog up for success while you are away
Dog proof the confinement area by looking for anything that could be easily chewed or swallowed. Store them safely away, this includes things like shoes, socks, trash, remote controls, cords, etc. Mental and physical stimulation are key to keeping negative behaviors at bay. However, this can lead to destructive chewing behavior if your dog is left to their own devices, or isn’t given enough things they are allowed to chew. Check out our highly informative article about Separation Anxiety for more in-depth information and help. Separation anxiety in Westie is a condition in which a Westie becomes restlessness or exhibits signs of distress when they are away from their owner.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Before leaving, I like to prepare some goodies in advance and build up anticipation.
It’s unfair to expect your dog to behave while alone all day without a good walk, run, or play session before you are leaving them for any length of time. Separation anxiety can also be brought on by a sudden change in schedule, a change in owner or caregiver, or a major change in the home . In this case, patience and setting your dog up for success with a chew-proof environment when you are away will be most important for curbing destructive chewing.
Physical Exercise is also important for many dogs that are home alone. Make sure to a daily routine of a walk or run before leaving, or make sure someone can exercise your dog while you are out. However, punishing your dog is the worst thing you could possibly do, as it will only make the destructive behavior worse. It’s annoying, frustrating, and heartbreaking when you lose things to a destructive dog, especially if those things are sentimental and irreplaceable. Pets that claw at door frames, furniture, and carpets can do a lot of damage to their paws and nails.
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