How do I stop my dog from trashing the house?

Dogs, these adorable furry companions, bring us endless joy and companionship in our lives. The moment they wag their tails to welcome us home, our hearts just melt. However, when we return home and see the shredded sofa cushions, chewed-up slippers, or the trash bin that has been turned upside down with its contents all over the floor, that initial joy is instantly replaced by helplessness and annoyance. Dogs trashing the house is a headache that many pet owners face. But in fact, as long as we deeply understand the behavior and needs of dogs and adopt the right methods, we can effectively prevent these destructive behaviors.

Dogs don't destroy things on purpose to oppose us. There are often various reasons behind it. One of the most common reasons is the lack of sufficient exercise. Dogs are naturally full of energy, especially some large dog breeds and hound breeds. If they don't get enough outdoor activity time every day, their excess energy needs an outlet, and the items in the house unfortunately become their "toys." Just imagine, a high-energy dog that is cooped up in a small room all day with nothing to do. How could it not find something to pass the time? In such a situation, we can't simply blame the dog but should reflect on whether we have provided it with enough opportunities for exercise. Taking the dog out for a walk and play every day, allowing them to run freely and release their energy, can not only reduce destructive behavior but also enhance the dog's physical fitness and immunity, and promote their physical and mental health.

Separation anxiety is also an important factor that leads to dogs' destructive behavior. Dogs are social animals and have a deep dependence on their owners. When they are left alone at home, they will feel lonely, scared, and uneasy. To relieve this anxious emotion, dogs may seek a sense of security by chewing, scratching, and other means. They may destroy things near the door, trying to "escape" to find their owners, or tear at their owners' clothes because they have the owners' scent on them. For dogs with separation anxiety, we need to give them more attention and comfort. Before leaving the house, we can give the dog some items with the owner's scent, such as an old T-shirt, so that they can feel at ease when the owner is away. We can also use some products that soothe emotions, such as the Feliway diffuser, which mimics the calming pheromones secreted by dogs themselves to help them relax. At the same time, gradually train the dog to adapt to being alone, starting with short absences and slowly increasing the length of time away, so that the dog can gradually get used to the owner's temporary departure.

Curiosity is also one of the driving forces behind dogs' destructive behavior. Dogs are full of a desire to explore the world around them, especially when they are young. They use their mouths to perceive the texture, taste, and shape of objects. In their eyes, everything in the house is a novel toy. The cushions on the sofa, the tissues on the table, and the wires in the corner can all arouse their interest. In order to satisfy their curiosity, dogs may chew and explore these items. At this time, we need to provide dogs with a variety of toys and chewables to meet their needs for exploration and chewing. We can choose some durable rubber toys, molar sticks, etc., and scatter these toys in various corners of the house to attract the dog's attention and let them know that these are the items they can play with and chew on. At the same time, we should pay attention to storing dangerous items and valuable items to prevent dogs from causing damage or hurting themselves out of curiosity.

In addition to understanding the reasons why dogs destroy things, we also need to create a suitable environment for them to reduce their opportunities for destructive behavior. Dogs need a safe space of their own, such as a comfortable dog bed. The dog bed should be placed in a quiet, warm, and well-ventilated place to make the dog feel comfortable and at ease. In the dog bed, we can lay a soft cushion and put the dog's favorite toys in it, making the dog bed a "safe haven" for the dog. When the dog feels anxious or uneasy, it will take the initiative to return to its own dog bed instead of venting its emotions by destroying items. At the same time, we should keep the house clean and tidy and reduce the "destruction targets" that the dog can reach. Put a lid on the trash bin, put the shoes in the shoe cabinet, and tidy up the clothes and sundries so that the dog has no chance to cause damage.

Positive training is crucial for correcting dogs' destructive behavior. When the dog exhibits the right behavior, such as chewing on the designated toy, we should give rewards in a timely manner. It can be delicious snacks, enthusiastic praise, or gentle strokes. Dogs are very intelligent animals, and they can quickly learn what kind of behavior will be rewarded and are more willing to repeat these behaviors. On the contrary, when the dog shows destructive behavior, do not use punishment methods such as beating or scolding. Beating and scolding not only cannot solve the problem but may also make the dog feel scared and confused, increasing their anxiety and leading to more destructive behavior. We can adopt some alternative methods. For example, when we find the dog biting the sofa, use a toy to attract its attention, guide it to play with the toy, and then give a reward. In this way, let the dog understand what behavior is allowed and what behavior is not acceptable.

Dogs trashing the house is a problem that we need to take seriously, but it is by no means an insoluble problem. As long as we take the time to understand the needs of dogs, give them enough love, exercise, and training, and create a good living environment for them, we will be able to live in harmony with these lovely furry friends and enjoy the endless joy they bring.