Destructive Dog Behavior

Destructive dog behavior can occur in various forms such as excessive begging, digging in the corners of the house or getting into trash bins.



Most owners become agitated by such behavior and yell or shout at the dog. However, this only makes the dog fear you or become angry with you. The important thing to do when your dog exhibits such behaviors is to identify the root of the problem.

One of the causes of destructive behavior in dogs is the need to chew. All dogs display this need and if they are not given appropriate chewing toys, they tend to chew or tear anything they come across.



Give your dog items such as a treat bone, a rawhide bone or a rubber toy that has been stuffed with a treat. Dog behavior problems also occur when they do not get enough of exercise. Take your dog for regular walks or runs every day. Running, chewing, sniffing and diggings are natural canine behaviors and dogs tend to get frustrated and destructive when they are unable to perform them.



Misbehavior may occur sometimes because the dog is feeling anxious or lonely. Dogs are naturally pack animals and need to be part of a group. The human owners function as a pack in case of pet dogs. If they are left alone continuously, they may feel stressed. This stress may be vented through destructive behaviors.

The reasons for problem behavior may be many, but the manner in which you handle it is very important. Avoid yelling or hitting the dog as these punishments; in addition to being ineffective also tend to make the dog uncooperative. An effective way of dealing with destructive behavior is to employ the prevention method. When you notice your dog beginning to chew or exhibit other undesirable behaviors, correct him immediately and focus his attention to one of his toys. Be gentle, but firm in your tone. If constant supervision is not possible, you can place him in a dog-proof room within the house. However, other methods of dog behavior training should also be used as the dog needs exercise and cannot remain in the confines of a room for long. The dog can be deterred from reaching for food from the table through touch, noise or taste deterrents. Commercial taste deterrents are available in pet supply stores for this purpose. Once the dog experiences the deterrent, he will be more likely to stay away from substances with that taste and scent.