Copyright Melanie Pay 2010. Please do not reproduce without permission. This information does not seek to replace training or advice. Please see a veterinary behaviourist (not a vet) if you are having serious behavioural issues with your dog.

1. DOGGY DESTRUCTION
New mobile phone fashioning teeth marks? Replaced too many pairs of sunglasses? Dog destruction is a
frustrating and expensive problem to have. Dogs naturally chew and explore with their mouths. They just don’t
know if they really like something until it’s been tasted! However when the chewing habit turns to your prized
possessions – it’s time to take control of the situation.
• Take responsibility for your own belongings by keeping things out of reach. If you don’t want it in your
dog’s mouth, don’t make it available. We baby-proof a house if a small child is going to be around
grabbing items, but we often forget to do the same for our dogs.
• Don’t confuse your dog by offering him/her shoes, socks, old towels etc as toys and then expect him to
distinguish between what is ok to chew and what is yours to leave. Your dog’s toys should be obviously
different from household goods.
• Create a safe area in the house or yard where your dog can be left unsupervised. If your dog doesn’t
understand the house rules, keep him/her confined in their safe area (with bedding, toys etc) when you
can’t supervise.
• Make sure your dog knows there are alternatives. Don’t let your dog become destructive from boredom
and provide enough dog toys to chew. Exercise can also reduce the frequency of destructive behaviour.
• Rotate available toys so that they are not just sitting in the yard all the time. Your dog will get just as
excited over a new toy as it will for a toy that it hasn’t seen for a couple of weeks.
• Practice object exchange regularly and try not to lose your cool if you see your dog with something you
have. Your frustration shows and your dog is less likely to give up the item if you’re chasing him for it.
Punishing a dog for their behaviour after it has happened will not help the situation and will only cause
confusion.
• If your dog is showing signs of anxiety or fear (frantic greetings, excessive crying/barking when alone,
shadowing etc), seek help for this behaviour. An anxious dog can often become destructive and they
need to be taught how to cope with being alone. Ensure your dog is in a protected, secure area during
thunderstorms.
Environmental Enrichment
Cure the back yard blues by enriching your dog’s environment. There are plenty of good ideas on the Pet Health
web site. Here are a few tips to keep your playful pooch entertained:
• Create a digging pit and hide some toys and/or treats in the pit. Wading pools are great for summer too!
• Give some of their meals in treat balls/kongs etc
• Recycle household items into dog toys – empty toilet rolls, milk cartons and coke bottles (don’t forget the
remove the ring and label) make great toys for dogs
• Freeze iceblocks in summer. You can even make a broth and put treats inside that the dog will get as the
ice melts. Some kong toys can be filled and frozen too, but any plastic tub can be used for ice blocks.
• Providing bones keeps dogs occupied while maintaining an oral health routine (just be wary of fat
content)
• Don’t forget about human interaction! The most precious resource in a dog’s life is you!
Copyright Melanie Pay 2010. Please do not reproduce without permission. This information does not seek to
replace training or advice. Please see a veterinary behaviourist (not a vet) if you are having serious
behavioural issues with your dog.