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The Different Types of Destructive Dog Behaviours And What You Can Do About It

destructive dog behaviour
If you own a dog, you know that destructive behaviour is unfortunately too common.

You probably ask questions like:

“Do dogs grow out of their destructive behaviour?”

“How to discipline a dog for destructive behaviour?”

“How can I get my dog to stop destroying things when left alone”?

Look, these questions are all valid.

In fact, destructive behaviour in dogs is one of the most common complaints that dog owners have.

That’s why you need to understand what causes destructive behaviour in dogs and how you can stop it.

You see, many other things can cause dogs to act destructively.

It could be boredom, anxiety, and just plain old destructive tendencies.

If left unchecked, destructive behaviour can quickly become a severe problem.

This blog post will talk about the different types of destructive dog behaviours and what you can do to help stop them.

Let’s get started!

Let’s look at each of these destructive behaviours and explore why they occur.

Different Types of Destructive Dog Behaviours: Why Do They Occur And How To Stop Them

 

Chewing

Boredom, teething, hunger, or anxiety are some reasons dogs chew.

 

TIPS to stop destructive chewing:

– Get them a durable chew toy that will last. (a chew toy that they can’t destroy)

– If they’re bored, try giving them more exercise by taking them on more walks and playing with them more often.

– Try a puzzle toy to keep their minds challenged.

– Keep them well-fed and hydrated.

– If it’s because of anxiety, talk to an experienced dog behaviourist about how to help your dog cope with their stress.

 

Digging

Another destructive behaviour is digging. Dogs dig possibly because they are bored, anxious, or trying to escape.

 

TIPS to stop your dog from destructive digging:

– Get them a sandbox to dig in.

– Try filling an old tire with sand for them to dig in.

– Take them on more walks and play with them more often to tire them out.

– If you think your dog is anxious, talk to your vet about possible solutions. (You can also read our previous blog post about tips to prevent separation anxiety).

Jumping up on people

Look, we know that dogs jumping up on people are cute…

But guess what? Not everyone wants a muddy paw print on their clothes.

Dogs might jump up on people because they’re too excited, seek attention, or even get a better view.
 

 

TIPS to stop your dog from destructive jumping up:

 

– If your dog jumps up on people, it’s essential to train them to stop.

– Provide them with proper training, so they know how to behave around others.

– Try teaching them the ‘sit’ command and rewarding them when they do it.

– If your dog is too excited, try playing with them before guests come over, so they’re tired out.

– Keep them on a leash when guests are around to control their behaviour better.

You can also ask people to ignore your dog when they jump up and only give them attention when all four paws are on the ground.

Or better yet, sign up for obedience classes with certified professionals.

In fact, we recommend you start them young.

That way, you can effectively teach your dog correctly and stop destructive behaviours before starting.

Check out puppy school in Melbourne and check which package suits your pup best.

Barking excessively

Dogs bark for different reasons, such as being bored, anxious, or excited.

While a bit of barking is typical, excessive barking can be destructive and annoying.
 

 

TIPS to stop your dog from destructive barking:

– Figure out why and address the problem accordingly.

– Try giving them more toys or taking them on more walks if they are bored.

– If they’re anxious, talk to your vet or a certified dog trainer about how to help them cope.

How can you help your dog overcome these destructive behaviours for good?

You need to remember these things if you want to help your dog stop destructive behaviours for good:

  • Identify and understand what is causing the destructive behaviour in the first place.
  • Create a consistent routine for your dog and stick to it.
  • Make sure that your dog has plenty of outlets for their energy, including exercise and playtime.
  • Have a peaceful environment in your home for your dog to relax.

behaving dog

In A Nutshell

Dogs’ destructive behaviours can be harmful, but again…you can do something about it.

By being consistent with training and using positive reinforcement methods, you can help your dog overcome these behaviours for good.

With a little patience and effort, you can help your dog overcome destructive behaviours for good.

If you’re struggling to deal with the issue yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

We hope this article was helpful in better understanding destructive behaviours in dogs and how to stop them.

If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, please leave us a comment below!

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