Destructo-Dog: Are Your Pets Trying to Get Back at You?

12/08/09

You're heard all the stories.� Maybe even lived a few of them!� You leave, the dog gets mad and _______.� (choose one)

chews up your new designer shoes
pees in your new designer shoes
WEARS your new designer shoes, digs out of the yard and runs up your credit card at the local watering hole.

We ALL think that our precious pooch does things like this on purpose, longing for our company.� In spite of these stories making good conversation, take heart.� That's not what they really mean.� Your doggie darling is not dreaming up ways to get even, he's simply doing something he thinks is fun.�

Chewing and digging are normal dog behaviours.� Good owners do their best to nip these activities in the bud from the get-go by teaching when it's appropriate to chew or dig, and what items are acceptable.� Chewing, digging, and barking can also be your dog's way of expressing anxiety or boredom.� And just like a toddler that gets into mischief when you're talking on the phone, it may simply be that our dog needs more of your attention.� If it only leads to scolding, hey, they'll take what they can get.�

Punishment may not work in these situations.� A better course is to remove the underlying problem.� Here are a few tips:

1.) Make sure your dog gets adequate exercise.� Let's define that a little better:� exercise where their brain is engaged.� Leaving a dog alone in the yard does not accomplish the same thing as going for a walk, playing fetch or any activity where you and your dog are interacting.� Just like you, a dog that gets enough exercise sleeps well, and will take a nice long nap while you're gone.

2.) Provide acceptable things to chew on.� There are lots of things to keep a dogs interest.� Hard rubber Kong toys that can be filled with treats will keep a dog occupied for hours.� Soft toys and ropes are also good alternatives as long as the dogs don't shred them.� Don't leave the same toys out every day; rotate them to keep it interesting.� And use good judgment about rawhide.� Let your dog have one as you watch first.� If the dog tears off pieces and eats them, this isn't a good idea for unsupervised play as it can lead right to the vet's office.

3.) Avoid making your dog lonely.� If you're home, your dog should be with you.� Even if it's lying beside you while you watch TV or spending those 8 hours of sleep on your bed, that's time your dog considers spent with you.� Company makes for a more secure dog.

4.) Don't leave or come home with a big fanfare.� If you set your dog up to be excited as you walkout of the house, that energy has to get burned off somewhere, and sometimes, the target is going to be some of your personal items.

5.� And the most obvious point:� PUT YOUR STUFF AWAY!� If you leave temptation in your dog's path, it's not fair to punish him when he just couldn't resist.� If you want to keep something safe and pristine, put it behind a closed door, or high up enough that it can't be reached.�

« More articles