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How to stop my dog from tearing up carpet when I leave the house?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 8 months and 20 days old | 70 lbs

My dog tears holes in our carpet when we leave the house. Idk what to do, we are spending so much money to repair the damage. What can we do to stop this?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 21st, 2018

It sounds like Booker is experiencing some separation anxiety when you leave the house. I recommend crating him when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that will a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with his skin. If these methods do not help him, then I recommend having him seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 1st, 2017
It does sound like Lucy is suffering from separation anxiety when you leave the home. I recommend crating her when you are gone. The crate will provide her a small space where she can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train her to get used to a crate. Start putting her in it when you are home and sitting nearby so she doesn't think you are abandoning her, and slowly increase the time she is in it. She can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that she has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to her in the crate. That will keep her occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that will a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with her skin. If these methods do not help Lucy, then I recommend having her seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on June 15th, 2017
She may be experiencing some degree of separation anxiety. Slowly acclimate Ellie to your absence. Prepare to leave the house several times during the day and night. Leave sometimes and other times stay. Do not make a big deal about leaving or returning. Initially, step outside for a minute or two then walk back inside. Ignore her for 15 minutes or until she calms down each time you return. Gradually increase the length of your absence. Provide special toys or treats to be used only when you leave. Use praise and small rewards as she progresses. The use of pheromone collars or sprays may also help to ease her anxiety when you are gone. Exercising her just before you leave may also help by tiring her out. Consider a consult witha certified veterinary behaviorist and your veterinarina to discuss training and medication.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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