Destructiveness

WebMD discusses destructive chewing in dogs including possible causes and treatments.

Learn why your dog loves to chew and how to keep him from destroying your favorite shoes, furniture or other belongings.

Puppies chew on everything and can ruin your belongings, not to mention harm themselves. Find out how to stop destructive chewing in your puppy.

Stopping your dog from engaging in destructive behavior is wisely accomplished by figuring out the root cause of the destructive behavior and then fixing the situation.

When you’re not home, does your pet have his way with your belongings? Are the mangled boots, the peekaboo hole in the cashmere throw, or the gnawed window frame a statement of your dog or cat’s dissatisfaction? While it may seem like an overt case of vindictiveness, rest assured that your pet isn’t doing it out of spite. In fact, there are plenty of reasonable explanations for this kind of behavior.

Chewing, playing, exploring, and investigating their environment are normal behaviors for dogs — especially puppies! However, these normal behaviors can result in destruction of household property, which can become a serious and frustrating problem for owners. In fact, destructive behavior is one of the most commonly reported behavior problems in dogs.

Are chewing and destructive behavior common problems in dogs? Well, that depends on your outlook. They're certainly common, but often simply normal canine behavior, rather than a problem behavior.

For dogs, chewing is instinctual, but it’s not always desirable for humans. Here are some common causes of — and solutions for — unwanted chewing.

How to Stop Destructive Behavior in Dogs. Destructive behavior in dogs is not a normal state of being — it tends to happen when a puppy or an adult dog becomes bored or lacks adequate exercise.

It is normal for dogs to chew on things, dig, and be protective over their territory. Dogs are diagnosed with destructive tendencies when they destroy things we don’t want them to, such as furniture, shoes, doors, or carpets. Not all destructive behavior is the same, however. When a dog chews on the wrong things or digs in the wrong place but does not have any other symptoms, this is considered a primary destructive behavior. Dogs that have other symptoms like anxiety, fear, or aggression in combination with their destructive behavior are diagnosed with secondary destructive behavior.

When dogs are lonely, stressed, bored or anxious, they can start chewing. Learn how to stop a dog from chewing and what steps can be taken to prevent it going forward.

Puppy chewing is normal. Destruction is not. Learn the difference and start enjoying your puppy. You'll both be happier.

The act of chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference among most dogs. Some dogs like to chew out of pleasure, while some seem to chew out of sheer boredom. In either case, when the chewing is destructive, it is definitely a problem that needs an immediate solution.

It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog. For young dogs, it’s a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Chewing also combats boredom and can relieve mild anxiety or frustration.