How to deal with a destructive dog

[Jen and Annie]

It had been 10 years since I had a puppy in my house, but who can ever forget the incredible and widespread destruction that a tiny ball of freaking-adorable can wreak on your house and personal accoutrements?  Replacing the linoleum in our brand new house because there was a 3 foot mangled section 'removed' for us in a matter of minutes, teeth shaped holes in the drywall, carpet, shoes, underwear, purses, belts, very hazardous electrical cords...  Ahh. memories.  My sweet doodle didn't do any of this -  This was 10 years ago, when I was much younger, and understood much less about dogs than I do now.  I still have a whole lot to learn, but I've come a long way.  

I'll start by saying that I am probably not telling anything here that isn't already known by the members of this forum. It seems like a solid bunch of folks who truly care about their dogs.  

When I see my puppy exhibiting destructive behavior against anything except for her belongings - I realize that she is not being destructive - she is finding something to do because she is bored and has lots of puppy energy.  Even though my living room is littered with 47 dog toys of various shapes, sizes and colors - sometimes my couch or my pillows or my carpet seems much more exciting to explore.  With my puppy anyways, if she starts to get restless - outside we go with the tennis ball or frisbee or feather wand. And we play. We do clicker trick and obedience training too - but I save that for night time, when I can't go outside with the tennis ball, lest I trip on my own feet because I cannot see.

All my pup needs is about 20-30 minutes, twice a day outside with the tennis ball and she is a different dog. A tired puppy is a well behaved puppy.  I have personally found that play time with Annie also builds the bond between us - and I can't exactly put it into words, but it's incredible. Maybe I'm some weird flowerchild hippie and it's all in my head, but my puppy is happy when we're playing, because she is smiling the whole time.  This is the dog I have always wanted. 

I truly believe that the answer to most behavioral problems* in dogs is their need to interact with their human in some way.  Whether it's play, work, therapy - Modern Dogs were bred to interact with humans and I think they are truly happier and whole when they are doing so.      

Just in my few short days on the forum, I know that everyone here cares so deeply for their dogs, so this information is probably nothing new to anyone here.  I felt like writing this because of some recent experiences I have had with other dogs and their humans, and I could see where the problems were.  Our dogs are not personal belongings - they are thinking, feeling beings that long for our attention, and they will get our attention.  If we aren't interacting with them on a relational level, they may get our attention in other less desirable ways. If this sheds light to just one person and encourages them to pay attention to what their dog is telling them, then I feel better.

     *behavioral problems such as chewing, digging, tearing things up as a result of boredom

[Debbie Daniels]

while most might have already known the info in this post I'm a new puppy owner and I've never had dogs before , I have enjoyed learning from different folks and I love the part you said about modern dogs ... and the fact that you said they are thinking , feeling beings ...My Miss Beasley is the most happy when she is walking at heel , I think because she feels she has a job to do ...keep on sharing I enjoyed your words of wisdom * Please hug your doodle for me and Miss Bea :)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good advise and information! I know what you mean about Annie smiling! I love it when Tara has a big grin on her face and it's normally when we are playing too!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Welcome to DK, Jen! I can tell you're going to fit right in, lol!! Great blog!!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

What a wonderful post, and oh so true. Yes, many on here do already know what your saying, but there are also many new members who come here for help and advice, so there can never be too many posts like this one!

[Jen and Annie]

It is always very sad to me when I see puppies or young dogs up for adoption, because I get the feeling that 9/10 times, the owners are 'fed up' with destruction, potty training or unruly puppy behavior, so they turn the dog over, with no regard to what lifeong implications this will have on the pups state of mind.  Any puppy is capable of destroying things, and they will do just that if they are left to their own devices.. I know for a fact that Annie would tear my entire house down if I let her.. but she's too tired from all that fetching and catching I make her do, HA!      

[Jen and Annie]

Thank you for the nice words everyone.
Nancy, Ned and Clancy - you are right, some dogs may be 'hard-wired' to be anxious or nervous or aggressive and although plenty of excercise and human interaction may damper those tendencies a bit - deeper investigation into that behavior is super important so that it can be addressed sooner rather than later... The 'exercise route' will likely not correct deep emotional issues like anxiety or fear, but meaningful interaction with their humans is essentila to help them in the healing, rehabilitation or management process.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

A tired dog is a good dog !!!  You hit the nail right on the head with that one.  Keep them busy, active and happy and that horrible puppy stage will pass very quickly.  Training and exercise is key to a happy,healthy, well socialized dog.   My two doodles love to go out for walks, runs and love to exercise.  When I walk my doodles I walk with each one seperately so I have one on one time with each and they absolutely love it :)  Keep up the good work :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is always a good reminder.  One thing to add is that sometimes the destruction is indicative of anxiety.  When our Springer was a puppy he was extremely destructive - but only when we were gone.  We consulted a trainer and got bad advice.  Thanks to dk, I became much more saavy about 'different behaviors' and what to do about them.

[Carol and Banjo]

Excellent observations Jen.    These Doodles really seem to need the human interaction....I know Banjo does.   If we get preoccupied with out own lives it isn't unusual to see him "trolling" the house like a land shark....just looking for some kind of trouble.    Usually ends with a grab of a dish towel....or a snatched shoe.....

[Donna K & Quincy]

Perfect, keep them too tired to get into trouble. Great blog!