The dog that demands attention
It is not usual for the need for attention to cause destruction. However, when it happens, it is relatively easy to diagnose. This type of destruction occurs in order to capture the master's attention. The master, in his attempt to correct the dog, will intervene by giving the dog some attention, thus reinforcing the dog's destructive pattern. In certain cases, the dog doesn't get much attention unless he does something wrong, or again, the dog is the center of attention and attempts to get even more attention, without the master being aware of it. For example, a dog grabs a sock, starts to rip it apart and takes it to a place where he is sure that his master will see him. When he does see him, the dog runs away and a game of pursuit is afoot. These dogs must undergo obedience training in order to master the commands. Furthermore, it is important that these dogs get plenty of exercise, and obtain attention at the master's discretion. Refer to the process which solves the destruction problem by consulting the section dedicated to the need for attention . The nature of interactions between a dog and his master must change so that the dog receives attention only when he behaves properly, so as not to reinforce faulty actions.
Territorial destruction: When destruction is caused by territorial protection, it is a smokescreen for another, deeper problem. If a very territorial dog reacts strongly to something or someone passing near the family home or lawn by clawing the windows, doors and fences in a frantic attempt to reach the stimulus, this dog has an aggressiveness problem which emanates from his imperious need to protect his territory. Many dogs react strongly when a letter carrier or delivery person encroaches his territory. The problem can appear as often when the master is present or absent. The reaction is not as strong when the master is there to reprimand him for his aggressive behavior. Other territorial protection behavior patterns can crop up, such as barking and urinary marking. These dogs must follow the program dealing with solutions to destruction. The aim of these exercises is to modify the dog's reaction when he realizes that his territory is being encroached. Dogs must be made to consider people as positive stimuli, as opposed to invaders.
Destruction related to appeasement: The dog looking for a place to rest can cause damage to your property. Typically, a dog will claw an object before lying down on it. He will dig holes or claw at the rug or couch cushion. This problem can easily be solved by resorting to the program dealing with solutions to destruction.
Purchasing a cushion for your dog's exclusive use is a viable, immediate solution.
Hyperactivity: An energetic dog which has not received obedience education will destroy his environment sooner or later. The problem is referred to as "physiological hyper-kinesis". This happens when the dopamine-energetic system is detective, or that a neurotransmitter is involved. The symptoms manifest themselves whenever a dog is hard to train because he easily excited and has difficulty to concentrate. In such a case, a diagnosis from a veterinarian is necessary in order to determine it a dog simply has excess energy, or it he suffers from a physical problem. Certain medicines can be effective in the treatment of hyper-kinesis.
