Destructive behaviour.

Destructive behaviour refers to where a dog damages property or items, such as chewing on furniture, digging up the garden, or tearing up household objects.

Destructive behaviour in dogs occurs for numerous reasons but it can often be prevented with proper exercise, mental stimulation, training, and management. By understanding the root causes and addressing them through positive reinforcement, environmental management, and, in some cases, professional help, destructive behaviours can be minimized or eliminated.

While chewing and digging are natural behaviours for dogs, they become problematic when they are excessive or inappropriate. Understanding the reasons behind destructive behaviour and knowing how to prevent, manage or redirect it can help create a harmonious home environment.

Common Causes of Destructive Behaviour include

Boredom and Lack of Mental Stimulation

Dogs are intelligent, social animals that need mental and physical stimulation. Without enough to do, a bored dog may turn to destructive behaviours, like chewing or digging, to entertain itself.

Working breeds or highly energetic dogs may especially suffer from boredom if they aren’t provided with sufficient outlets for their energy.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety often engage in destructive behaviours when left alone, to cope with their stress. This can include chewing, scratching at doors or windows, and even attempting to escape.

Signs of separation anxiety often occur soon after the owner leaves and can be accompanied by inability to settle, barking, or house soiling.

Teething in Puppies

Puppies go through 3 teething phases, the first around 3-8 weeks of age as puppy teeth come in, the second around 3-6 months of age when adult teeth come in, and the third around 6-24 months as the adult teeth settle in the jaw. During this time, they chew on objects to relieve the discomfort in their gums. This is a normal but temporary cause of destructive behaviour, but care needs to be taken to ensure the dog has enough acceptable and safe things to chew on to prevent unwanted destruction and habits formed.

Excess Energy

Dogs that don’t get enough exercise may exhibit destructive behaviour simply to burn off excess energy. High-energy breeds or dogs with insufficient physical outlets are more likely to engage in this kind of behaviour. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent destructive behaviour. Dogs need daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to run or engage in activities that tire them out.

For high-energy breeds, consider activities like running, agility training, or playing fetch to release excess energy.

Chewing triggers the release of calming and happy hormones so it is self-reinforcing for a dog to chew.

Attention-Seeking

Some dogs learn that destructive behaviour gets attention from their owners, even if it’s negative attention. They may chew or destroy things as a way of getting a reaction.

Fear or Stress

Fear-based destructive behaviours can occur in response to stressful events, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud noises. Dogs may attempt to escape, scratch at walls or doors, or chew on items to relieve their anxiety.

If your dog exhibits destructive behaviour due to separation anxiety, work on desensitizing your dog to your absence. Gradually increase the time the dog spends alone, and reward calm behaviour.

Calming aids like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or, in severe cases, medication prescribed by a vet can help manage anxiety-driven destruction.

Instinctual Behaviours

Dogs may engage in digging, chewing, or shredding as part of their natural instincts. For example, some dogs have a strong drive to dig, especially breeds like terriers, which were historically bred for digging out prey.

Provide toys and puzzles that engage your dog’s mind. Interactive toys, such as treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders, can help keep your dog mentally occupied.

Lack of Training and Boundaries

If dogs are not taught appropriate boundaries and behaviours, they may engage in destructive activities simply because they haven’t learned what is acceptable and what is not.

Reinforce good behaviour by rewarding your dog when it interacts with its toys or chews. Rotate toys to keep them interesting, and ensure that your dog has plenty of safe, durable items to chew on.

NEVER punish your dog for destructive behaviour. Your dog is not trying to annoy or frustrate you. There is a reason behind the behaviour and punishment will likely make the behaviour worse.