How to Stop a Dog from Destroying Your House AKA How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs

A dog with pent up energy CANNOT be left alone in a house unattended. After following these steps, I guarantee your furniture and your shoes will thank you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash (to go on walks)
• Crate (to keep him confined when left alone)
• Chew toy (to give him something he CAN destroy while you're gone)
• Bark collar (in case he makes too much noise while you're away)

1. 
    
   Take your dog(s) on a walk before you leave for work

   EXERCISE! Before you leave for work, either take your dog on a nice long walk or jog, OR make him jog on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes. Make sure he gets to let out any hyperactive energy. Feed him breakfast AFTER he exercises.

2. 
    
   Put your dog in a crate when you're gone

   CRATE! If your dog MUST be left alone without supervision while you're gone, you must confine him in a crate for his own safety. It is not cruel to put a dog in a crate, in fact, dogs feel safer in a crate than they would if they were loose in the house. If they're able to pace back and forth and panic, this is absolutely unhealthy! If your dog is the noisy type, get him a bark collar and have him wear it while you're away.

3. 
    
   Get him a chew toy!

   CHEW TOY! If your dog is the "chewing" type, get him a nice chew toy that is durable. Kongs work well, any hard rubber or safe chew bones are great. Having a toy to chew on will allow him to vent out any frustration or anxiety.

Tips & Warnings

• EXERCISE is the key ingredient - if your dog is already tired when you leave for work, he will probably just sleep while you're gone
• Never leave your dog loose in the house or back yard unattended
• Never tie your dog up unattended

[smc25]

on 1/20/2010 Well, I guess crating your dog will stop chewing but how about any other advise. This doesn't really stop the behavior, it just confines the dog. one of my boxers manages to get out of her crate no matter how secure i make it, and she hurts herself each time. Then, after she is out, they tear the house up.

[eyeopening]

on 2/7/2009 We've certainly been through this. You can't leave a dog with separation anxiety in the car either even for a few minutes. One of our dogs chewed through the back seat and removed the foam inside. It was quite a mess. :-)

[JeanneGrunert]

on 2/4/2009 Thanks for the ideas...

[elyria]

on 2/4/2009 I am so lucky I can bring my puppy to work with me so my house is still standing and all shoes are fine :)

[Foxility]

on 1/13/2009 doggy day care is good. Great article