bored at home and pulling on the leash

[Anita]

We have an 8 month old goldendoodle (standard) and have to leave him at home three days a week for about 4-5 hours in the morning. Usually, he does well and stays in our finished basement (with windows for him to look outside). However, lately, he has been scratching at the dry wall and ruining the walls. We have no idea why he does it and it's hard to reprimand him since he doesn't do it when we're with him.

Also, he's big now (about 75 lbs) and is still very "hyper". He tends to get excited when he sees other dogs or even birds on walks and really pulls at the leash to run up and greet them. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Anita

[Tammy & Gracie]

It sounds like he is bored. He may even be trying to get out and reach some creature he sees out the window. He would probably be safer in a crate. I'm sure if he ingests drywall it could be dangerous. In my case, I am sure to find a way to exercise mine until she is tired before leaving her so she will be more likely to sleep. A good fast paced walk should help or some backyard ball chasing? You also might try a head collar or "Gentle leader" to reduce pulling on the leash during your walks. Is he well socialized? Gracie and I go to the dogpark each weekend so she is very used to meeting other canines and does not get overexcited over that. But she still wants to catch a bird and will unexpectedly lunge for them!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Have you tried taking him on a long walk in the morning before you leave him or let him run ALOT in your yard? I know sometimes that's hard but I take Lucca to work with me and we HAVE to walk first. Then he's tired out and sleeps in the morning until his afternoon walk. I find when he's bored he gets destructive.
As for the pulling - we use the "easy walker" (trainer recommended). It's a harness but clips in the front. Lucca doesn't pull with it. I know he's smaller but I would try it. We also used the prong collar on our 75 lb Golden Retriever when she was a pup and that worked well for her. Once she got older she was much better and didn't need it. This time around though I chose to try the easy walker. It's obviously more gentle than the prong!!! Good luck

[Adina P]

He's only 8 months so "still very hyper" is to be expected =)
Have you completed any obedience training with him? Training is what truly solves pulling on leash as most dogs pull until they are trained to do otherwise. You might consider joining our "Doodle Spring Training" group as we will start a "distance learning" training program as a group--you'll learn a lot!

In the meantime you might try using "The Gentle Leader" head halter for walks or The Easy Walk harness to prevent pulling until puppy is farther in training.

As to scratching dry walls he may have some separation anxiety or boredom from energy to burn. What toys or activities do you leave with him? Stuffed Kong toys or other strong chew toys are ideal. Be sure he is well exercised before you leave if possible. Also is he crate trained?