What to do with a doodle who chews up things when left without an adult

[PB]

I have a 9 month old miniature labradoodle that I adopted at age 6 months. Although I was told she was crate trained, she did not take to the crate. The first metal crate we tried she chewed through the bars within 10 minutes. Then we tried the plastic crate that she arrived in. She slept in it at night, in our room and had the run of most of the house during the day. I have the luxury of working from home so I would bring her to work with me and my 10 year old dog (not a doodle). Attempts at helping her to feel content in the crate were met with failure. The few times I had to leave her (for 3 hours max) she chewed the inside of the crate and was soaking wet with drool. The last time I left her crated for an hour, she somehow opened the crate (from the inside)--don't ask me how, and got out. We tried gating her with her "sister" in the hall and she jumped the gate. We put another gate on top of the first and she chews the woodwork. I have begun leaving her in the house, only for short periods of time (1-2 hours) and when I come home there is something she finds to chew up and destroy. Sometimes it is only paper, or cardboard; one time she found her leash (on top of a cabinet) and she chewed it in half; today she got a spoon and a book off the table, chewed the book, and ate the wooden handle of the spoon (all withing 30 min.). When someone is home with her she is delightful; well behaved, trained, and a joy. She has added much joy to our lives and to the life of my 10 year old dog. We don't have a room to keep her in when we're out. She sleeps peacefully in her bed on the floor next to my bed at night. How can I go anywhere without her destroying something or getting hurt? I'm feeling house bound.

[Doodle Kisses]

Judging by the damage she did to the two crates and the drooling this sounds like separation anxiety to me... Best worked through with a qualified trainer or behaviorist. Dogs chew. But when otherwise well behaved dogs go nuts in confinement it is often separation anxiety.

[PB]

Thanks for your reply. She is very content as long as anyone is in the house with her. Since I am mostly home, this is not a problem, except when I do want to go out.

[PB]

Thank you for your suggestion. I did try string cheese in the crate. She would go in and get it and then come out. She was able to stay in the crate for short periods of time while I was home but when not home she seems to go nuts. She has already ruined two crates and I'm reluctant to buy another one. My doodle loves being with her older sister, who behaves quite well, so I thought that leaving them together would be a comfort, however she continues to prove me wrong by chewing up things she finds. She is also a very high jumper, so that "baby proofing" becomes difficult.

[Chris & Boys]

I agree that it sounds like separation anxiety. But, what do you leave her to chew when you are not there?? I always leave my 5 month old gd a bullystick. The only time he has chewed something he shouldn't have has been when I forgot to leave him the bullystick.

[PB]

She has lots of chew toys which she sometimes chews when I'm home. She can also go for long periods of time not chewing. She is generally not a chewer. I think that her ripping things up is more of a statement about me leaving her than the need to chew.

[Adina P]

I disagree about her making a statement.... I still think the more likely explanation is stress from separation anxiety.

How much exercise does she get? Sometimes if you can simply tire out a dog enough before leaving them alone that can help because they've used up so much energy they are too tired to be anxious. Perhaps a long trip to the dog park the day before you have to leave...and a long walk and game of fetch that morning may help.

Is there a doggy daycare near you? Or perhaps professional dog walkers in your town that can come to give her exercise while you are gone?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Welcome to my world!!! When my English Springer Spaniel was a puppy, we could not crate him - he outlasted us (but then so did our kids!). So when we left him (had our older lab mix dog with him for company), he climbed, ate, or scratched his way out of the den/kitchen area to the rest of our house. He was really destructive - ate 2 couches cushion by cushion, at molding, nibbled the rug edges to name only some of his reign of terror. This behavior was only when we were gone. He outgrew it all and is the best, most wonderful dog in the world. He is 5 now and I would say that he quit being destructive when he was a year or so. I now know that he had separation anxiety - even though we consulted with a professional, we didn't get that diagnosis or help to solve it. You are getting some good advice here to help her overcome anxiety. Even though he has outgrown overt anxiety, Gordie still gets way over-excited when we come home, but that's it. He just misses his humans! Good luck. I am sure you and your dood will work through this.

[PB]

Your story sounds all too familiar. Sydney also gets soooo excited when we return. She is the most darling, smart, well trained pup when someone with two legs is with her. I think she will adjust over time but in the mean time we are "bribing" family members (mostly my home for the summer college student) to stay with her so that I can run to the gym, the store, etc. I know things will get better (hopefully before my dtr returns to school in Sept.). In the meantime, we are loving and enjoying every moment with her.

[Sessa]

Adina is right on about a "tired doodle being a good doodle!!"
I can't emphasize exercise enough---in my humble opinion, the average dog doesn't get enough. (but that's another topic! ;) )

I would also work on coming and going from the house----desensitizing your dog to your leaving and arriving will help with the separation anxiety because you will be training your doodle to TRUST that you'll be home again....try walking out the front door and entering through a back door, and vice versa---the key being to NOT make a big deal out of the events...no big hellos/goodbyes....without saying anything, or eye contact, walk in and out--do this several times in a short span....do it spontaneously....the more you come and go, the more the dog gets used to it....also, be sure to incorporate your routine into leaving--as in the jingle of car keys or putting on a jacket/shoes....pretend that you're leaving and stay outside for a few minutes....or run a quick 10-15 minute errand...upon your return, again, say nothing and when you feel your doodle is calm, Praise praise praise....

Good luck and keep up the hard work! It can and WILL get better!!

[PB]

Thanks for the good suggestion. I know this is what I did with my children. Somehow I didn't think of it with my pup. I forget that they are like toddlers. She has gotten so much more independent while I'm home, no longer following my every move like a shadow (and like her older sister dog). I will begin this plan today. She's very smart, so hopefully she will catch on. There were a few times when no one was here for 45 min. or so that she was fine. Other times it takes her less than 30 min. of separation to go "nuts". She is use to be being here since I work from home and am mostly around. I appreciate all the advice, suggestions and comments from the doodle community.