Archive for month: November, 2019

Most of us dog owners have come home to a chewed-up slipper or couch cushion. It is so hard to understand how your dog who loves you unconditionally could do something so destructive! What about the times your dog keeps you up in the night, barking at the tiny flies outside the front door?! Hello frustration! There are so many forms of destructive behavior that can present itself in our furry best friends such as:

• Chewing shoes, or other items
• Barking
• Anxious or restless behaviour
• Digging in the garbage, or garden
• Jumping up on you, or worse – on your guests!

Reasons

While yes, lack of proper training is a definite cause to some of these behaviors, there are often other reasons leading to this type of behavior. Starting with ensuring your dog has received proper training (and often ongoing training) for proper behaviour is important. Remember, your dog doesn’t speak your English and will need to be trained to understand your expectations.

Pent up Energy/Lack of Stimulation

Another cause for destructive behaviours is simply due to pent up energy. Remember, dogs don’t have the same busy lives we do. They don’t go to jobs or have to prepare meals or take care of a busy household. While some breeds need more exercise than others, all dogs need to get at minimum 30-60 minutes of exercise a day! Sending them to the backyard on their own may not be enough.

Solution:

• Take them for a hike, or a long walk around the neighborhood.
• Go to a local dog friendly field where you can throw the ball for them!
• Your local dog park is also a great place for them to run around with other dogs (also providing them with social interaction that is stimulating)
• Lack of time? Hire a Dog Walker to come and walk your dog a few days a week when you don’t have the time to squeeze it in. Your fancy shoes will thank you!

Lack of Stimulation

Not enough mental stimulation will also lead to boredom in your dog, and then destructive behavior. Basically, your dog is just trying to find something to do with their time! If your dog is left alone for long hours of the day, they are likely not being stimulated enough. Stimulation is a stress reliever for dogs and helps shape their personality.

Solution:

• Provide opportunities to be exposed to interesting places and things. Have to run an errand? Throw them in the car and take them for a drive – it’s a small fix, but that 40 minutes of watching the cars and people pass is more stimulating than staring at your door waiting for your return!
• Invest in interactive toys for them to play with, such as hiding treats in a toy.
• Leave on the television. Yes, there is even such thing as DOG TV designed to keep your dog happier and more relaxed!
• Doggy Day Care. If you work long hours, sending your dog to doggy daycare a few days a week will help wear them out and keep them stimulated so they are ready to snuggle up on the couch with you at the end of the day.

Adolescence

Keep in mind that dogs do go through an adolescent phase between 5 to 18 months of age. Similar to teenage behavior, at this age your dog may test his limits and see what they can get away with.

Solution:

• Ensure you are addressing their need for stimulation and exercise
• Stay on top of your training. Keep reinforcing the good behaviours.
• Be aware of how you respond to the unwanted behaviours that are coming out. Remember, your dog may not differentiate between good and bad attention as long as it’s attention.

Medical Concern

There is always the possibility that sudden onset of misbehavior in your dog is due to a medical condition. If you are at all concerned there is something more going on, ensure you get your dog checked out by your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

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