The Destructive Dog

Dogs are social animals, and regard their owners as their pack. When this "pack" is absent, they become distressed. Most dogs cope with this separation but some do not. Expressions of distress in dogs vary from one individual to another - some whine or bark, others lose toilet control, others are destructive and regress to puppylike binges of chewing or scratching.

Destructive behaviour seems to provide a satisfying displacement activity or distraction for the anxious or upset dog. It is possible with time, patience and the correct methods to retrain the destructive dog.

1.In the short term a muzzle, an indoor kennel or outdoor kennel allows a brief respite while allowing time to apply the psychological strategies.

2.Most of us are especially affectionate or apologetic before leaving our dog alone, with such words as "be a good boy" or "I won't be long", etc. Stop this, and be off-hand and cool so as to reduce the contrast between your presence and the imminent absence.

3.Routine - be unpredictable, so your dog does not know your next move, e.g. leave the house: wearing indoor clothes, by different routes, or return as though to collect a forgotten item.

4.Leave reminders of your presence. During your absence: leave items of clothing, your usual TV or radio channel on, a light, access to a favourite chair or bed.

5.Desensitisation - involves exposure to brief periods of separation which are gradually increased according to success. This is a slow process because toleration of intervals of separation will vary from day to day.

6.Reduce the contact between you and your dog. Do not allow the dog to follow you from room to room. Allocate about 30% of your time together, with the door closed between you and the dog. Always be cool and rejecting as you close the door, but warm on reunions. In general you should be less indulgent towards your dog, since to an extent you are to blame for creating his excessive dependency.

The worst single action by the owner of a destructive dog is to return and punish or scold the dog. No matter what has been destroyed, do nothing and behave as though everything was normal.

PROBLEM AVOIDANCE
Breed selection - some breeds are more likely to be destructive than others, for example, Labradors. Crossbreeds may also be very destructive; perhaps they are excessively loving or over-attached.

Crate-training a puppy is the most effective avoidance procedure available. It keeps the puppy safe from dangerous equipment and forces it to tolerate separation.

All dogs need ample exercise, a good diet and a secure relationship with their owner for both physical and mental well-being. An absence of any one of these may provoke bizarre behaviour such as destructiveness.