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Question from our "Ask a Dog Trainer" section:
Our family dog, a small mixed breed named Jolly, has started becoming destructive when we leave the house. Although he’s 3-yrs old and never had a chewing problem before, he’s started chewing things and has become quite destructive. Why has he done this now? The kids’ school year started two weeks ago and we’re all very busy. Why did he choose to start it now and what can we do to stop his problem? HELP!
Rose from MN
Back To School, What Dog?
There is no doubt about it; back to school is a very busy time of the year. Amongst gathering school supplies, new outfits, the excitement of seeing old school friends and making new ones the family dog often turns into “what dog”?
We may barely remember there is a dog to feed and water! You may think this is no big deal, but imagine being surrounding by family members nearly 24/7 through the summer months only to find the house suddenly empty, quiet and oh so lonely. Some dogs can handle this upset, although you should still prepare your dog for this void of attention, but other dogs do not tolerate it as well.
Through the eyes of your dog, his or her world just got turned upside down. This can increase your dog’s anxiety, which can lead to anxiety symptoms you may not understand and certainly won’t like. It’s referred to as Separation Anxiety and the symptoms can include some or all of the following. Vomiting, scratching at the doors or window frames, chewing up furniture, obsessive barking, destroying human clothing (that should not lying around anyway), destructive digging and even inappropriate elimination.
So what can you do to help your dog through this time of inner turmoil? Prepare him by starting two weeks prior to the beginning of school. Start with having several dog toys pre-stuffed with great treats, a bit of peanut butter or whatever your dog really enjoys. Place the pre-stuffed toys in the freezer so they’re ready whenever you need to leave the house. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes prior to everyone leaving home, stop interacting with your dog.
Just before walking out the door give your dog a couple of these specially stuffed toys. When you return do not interact with your dog for another 20 to 30 minutes, but quietly pick up the once stuffed toys. The goal is to let your dog know your comings and goings are uneventfully and actually quite boring. Allow your dog to have a good time in your absence by enjoying a couple of specially stuffed treat toys.
When you return pickup the toys so your dog looks forward to being alone with only those great tasting toys! Doing this will give your dog inner peace when the household is quiet and give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe from an anxious dog.
Tip of the week: Lower your dog’s loneliness and/or boredom having several pre-stuffed toys in the freezer ready to go whenever you are, and keep your comings and goings non-eventful!
Bark your questions to:
Canine Companion, 11652 North - 825 West, Huntington, IN 46750 or email
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About the Author
Susan Sharpe co-owns Canine Companion by Certified Trainers conducting positive reinforcement puppy and dog training classes in Fort Wayne, Huntington and surrounding communities. Susan also offers behavior consulting nationwide along with teaching online classes for E-Training For Dogs. The E-stands for online availability. Along with their combined 30 years experience and endorsements by national organizations, the trainers are all graduates of Purdue University’s DOGS! Program and have earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
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