Let's face it, we all get a bit aggressive sometimes and it can be even worse if we can't get it off our chest. Destructive behaviour in dogs is often re-directed aggression caused by something the dog is unable to cope with. The problem is, when we get home to find your dog chewing on furniture, ripped sofas or mauled carpets, the dog does not associate our angry scolding for something it did earlier. It just experiences a grumpy owner whose company will become less and less desirable; your dog will start to dislike you.
Separation anxiety often leads to destructive behaviour. Anxiety occurs when your new puppy, your rescued and previously abandoned dog or your mollycoddled pet is left alone too long. You need to show your dog that you are not deserting them, so start with baby steps; leave the house and immediately return, just get into the car and then return, drive round the block and return. Exposing your dog to gradual partings and proving that you come back will remedy separation anxiety. Perform each step for several days, let the dog show you it's ready and be prepared for it to take sometime. It will be worth it in the end.
Dogs that chew on a lead often do so because it's fun; they chew and tug, you pull back and the whole time you are teaching your doggy a great new game of tug of war! Firstly, keep leads out of reach until its walkies time. When walking, if your dog starts to chew a lead, do not attempt to pull the lead out of your dog's mouth. Stop walking, avoid eye-contact and even turn your back on your dog. Should the chewing stop, turn around, praise you dog and carry on walking. If this does not work, stop walking, face your dog head on and combine a forceful 'stop it' command (you don't have to shout, just say it like you mean it) with a stop hand signal (arm outstretched, palm facing dog). Praise your dog when it reacts to your signal and stops chewing, carry on walking. A short, sharp tug on the lead with this reprimand may help.
Do not buy toys that look like shoes or rolled newspapers and avoid cushions to play tug of war with; these shapes will be associated with 'ok to destroy' and all such items in your house will be targeted... Jimmy Choo included!
