Games and investigating the environment
Dogs investigate their environment with their muzzle and paws. Objects are often se en as prey and can thus be shaken, transported and taken apart because it amuses them. At any time, a dog can perceive any object as a toy, such as a pillow, a piece of clothing, a piece of paper, etc... Dogs love to chew, and every dog has its favorite object. Certain dogs have a marked preference for wooden legs on tables and chairs, or wall mouldings. Others which spend a lot of time outside fancy garden hose s, or plastic garden furniture, fence posts, plants and shrubs. Such dogs also have a tendency to dig. If this problem is not addressed, the dog could carry it throughout its entire life. These dogs will destroy objects often, whether the master is present or not. If the dog was severely punished for destructive behavior in the master's presence, chances are that the dog will have learned to avoid punishment. It's easy enough to detect if the problem originates from separation anxiety by observing if the signs of anxiety are present.
Destruction which results from play or exploration can suddenly cease for a time, only to show up again, often because of boredom or lack of exercise. The fact that the dog has many toys doesn't prevent him from destroying other objects. Perhaps the latter are more interesting than his own toys, or again he considers all objects like toys. One way or the other, these dogs will have to follow the program dealing with solving destruction problems, do lots of exercise, and undergo many training and play periods. A viable solution would be to practice the exercise called "good toy - bad toy" within the command "don't touch". These techniques aim to redirect the urge to chew towards "acceptable" objects, such as bones of all kinds, dog toys, etc. The game can therefore be used as an obedience training tool.
Social isolation: These dogs go through life with very little stimulation, so they spend their time demolishing whatever looks good or appeasing to them. These dogs live in families that hardly ever spend any time with them, and are left outside to their own devices. The destruction pattern occurs in the same way as that of a dog who destroys to play and investigate his environment. However, the problem will occur more often, and the dog will be treated differently. Such a dog must be dealt with, or again given to someone who wil l take care of him; what good is there in having a dog if one does not take proper care of him? Simply, the quality of the dog's environment must be improved. That in itself is the solution to the problem. Practicing the ten commands and a few tricks are great ways to enjoy your dog.
Fears and phobias: A scared dog may become destructive. Dogs can be affected by many different stimuli, such as loud noises. You must discover which sounds scare your dog. It is sometimes necessary to film your dog in order to find out. Destruction begins when the dog is confronted with the stimulus, and the dog adopts a stance of fear. If the tear is related to a specific place, it is possible that the destruction will be triggered without the presence of the original stimulus. For example, the dog, looking for a safe place to hide behind or under, will revert to destruction and will inevitably have to damage furniture, rugs, and many other related objects to do it. A dog living outside wanting to enter the house will attack doors and windows in his desperate attempt to get in. If he wants to escape the yard, he will dig under fences, and damage them in the process. If the dog must confront the stimulus in the master's presence, the effects will be attenuated, and the dog could just cry to show its agitation. These dogs must be desensitized to the stimulus causing fear, and follow the program dealing with solutions to destruction. Please consult the section called "fear".
