Lola Is Becoming Destructive! PLEASE HELP!

[Ali]

Hi Doodle Lovers,

I am need of your help! Lola has started becoming destructive. Last night or in the early morning when I was sleeping she dug into my wall. I am a very deep sleeper at times, so I did not hear any scratching, but it was obvious due to the scratch marks in the wall (see attached pictures). I do not understand why she started doing this, or what to do. It could have been she was bored during the night, but I do provide her plenty of toys. She was also went on an hour walk to the park and back.

Since then, when I went to work, she scratched the wall through her crate too. So she has now learned that it is fun to dig into the wall. This is a huge problem considering I rent an apartment and will have to pay for the damages. How do I get this destructive behavior to stop? Any advice will help. Also, if you are Mr. or Mrs. fix it, how can I fix my wall my self? I am afraid the apartment complex will charge me some outrageous amount to fix it. Help!

- Ali & Lola -

[Ali]

Thank you so much Clark! I will be printing all your directions and lists and take it to the hardware store tomorrow. I knew I would be learning about animal behaviors when I got Lola but not learning how to fix walls and such. I would love to pay for you and Adina to fly to Austin and visit for a weekend, but I don't think I could afford it. And I don't think my mother would be too happy since she still helps pay for things that are really expensive for one more year. Maybe next year. :)

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

How old is Lola? Dexter was a little devil around the 10-18 month time. I think you may need a crate or dog proof area for Lola. Also, maybe leave her a stuffed kong when you leave so she has something to keep her occupied.

You can definitely fix the wall. Kirby did some damage in our basement and with some spackle/sanding my husband fixed it. He said it was pretty easy :) Good luck.

[Ali]

I will start doing that. But every time I give her a kong filled with stuff, she usually has it devoured by the time I get out the door. What Kong do you use and what do you use as a filler that lasts? Do you fill a couple of kongs?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

It is hard to know why she is wall investigating. Bored? Anxious? It's just fun? or She hears something in there? You can but gadgets that repel mice etc by making a vibration - my daughter says it worked for her. I think it really worth considering, since this seemed to start suddenly and she shows no other signs of anxiety. The two times my many different dogs have been truly destructive and persistent it was mice in our walls and then in the floor. Worth a try, the mice gadget is fairly cheap and available at Home Depot or similar, I think. Good Luck

[Adina P]

Here is a GRRREAT toy to keep puppy occupied...supervise at first to be sure SHE can't destroy it ... but it has lasted over 2 years here! And going. it's called The Everlasting Fun Ball (by Triple Crown/StarMark):


Find more photos like this on DoodleKisses.com
In these photos above you'll see it next to kibble and a larger treat. Both can be sqeezed inside but the bigger treat is harder to get out. The size above is "medium" -- Rosco chews it like a giant wad of gum. We also have the Large.

Find ones for purchase at: http://www.dogtoys.com/starmark.html