Board of Directors
Central Aroostook Humane Society
Does your dog behave badly? Wikihow.com offers some insight into why dogs, particularly adult dogs, become destructive and do things we would prefer they didn’t do, such as eating the couch cushions.
Most dogs become destructive when they are bored or don’t have an exercise routine. Dogs that don’t receive some regular stimulation will chew or dig or find some other form of amusement. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and hate being left alone. They tell you this by perhaps going to the bathroom on the rug or destroying something in the house — often shoes left out. Leaving the house for a few minutes and returning will reassure the dog you are not leaving him forever. Increase the times away gradually and hopefully this will help with separation anxiety.
Some dogs are very hyperactive, or want attention, or suffer from noise phobia, or are simply bored. Dogs whose humans are away from home during the day seem to suffer from boredom so it is important to provide opportunities for your dog to release his pent up frustration. It is necessary for your dog to get regular exercise by walks and try to go to different areas so he will be challenged by different terrains and scents. Play with your dog more. Remember, you are his best friend. Play fetch or tug of war. I have a soccer ball tied to a rope with duct tape which is suspended from a run. It is not fancy, but it works great for my dog, Henry. He will play with that ball forever.
If your dog has a digging problem, particularly in your garden, create his own digging space by hiding dog bones in the space. Once he gets accustomed to that area, “hopefully” he will return and stay out of the garden. It is also important that dogs have a regular routine regarding their meals, playtime and their own space with a dog bed.
Many folks kennel their dogs while they are away from home. Personally, I feel that should be done as little as possible. Kenneling can make a dog feel isolated and sometimes it can make the dog more hyperactive and anxious trying to get your attention. When I return home, my Henry gets so excited he jumps on me, and he is quite the wild dog. Obviously, I have not followed the advice of the experts who suggest when you walk through the door, ignore the dog until he settles down. After a couple of weeks of doing this, the dog’s hyperactivity upon your arrival should be cured. I may try this yet.
When you do leave the house, leave a new toy or bone for the dog so he will have something to do. I learned the importance of toys when Henry was younger because I came home from work one day to find my living room decorated with toilet paper.
It is recommended that a dog’s leash be only a few feet long. The closer the dog is to you, he will realize you are in control and he isn’t the boss. Sometimes folks take their dogs to a kennel for doggie day care. Doggie day care is a wonderful way for a dog to socialize and get exercise and be so tired when you pick him up at the end of the day, he won’t even think about being destructive.
Please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s booth at the Fall Craft Show at the Forum in Presque Isle on Oct. 6 and 7.
