My newly adopted dog destroys everything. How can I stop him?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually these behaviors can be corrected but this usually needs in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider hiring a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. You can try using positive reinforcement by focusing on the positive meaning when he listens to you and stops chewing you start rewarding him with treats and praise. Most of the time when that is done consistently, it tends to help significantly. Good luck and have a good day!

What can I do if my dog already has separation anxiety? Treating an established case of separation anxiety will require the guidance and help of your vet. The road to recovery takes time and patience, but with the right tools you and your dog can both lead a less stressful life. It is very important that you visit with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will help you formulate a specific plan to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and build his confidence. Things your vet may recommend are: Behavioral exercises SPECIFIC for you and your dog. Anxiety-reducing medication. These medications will not cure your dog; however, they can alleviate his anxiety enough so that he is able to learn new behaviors. An examination to look for underlying medical conditions.

Destructive behavior like this when you're not home is usually caused by separation anxiety - some dogs will chew things when they're bored, but if there is significant destruction and it only happens when you're gone, anxiety is much more likely. If you want to know for sure, I would suggest videotaping her the next time you go out - it's usually very easy to see on the video if this is anxiety vs. boredom. There are a few things you can do to try and help her. You can try crating her, but be aware that many dogs with this problem are more anxious when they are confined - she won't be able to do as much damage to your home, but she may injure herself if she panics trying to escape. I would strongly recommend leaving her with a special long-lasting treat of some kind every time you leave the house, like a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter or something similar. You may also want to try a DAP pheromone collar along with a natural calming supplement like Composure or Zylkene to help decrease her anxiety. If you don't see improvement within the next 1-2 weeks, you should talk with your vet about the problem as she may need prescription medication to treat her anxiety, at least for a while. You could also request referral to a veterinary behaviorist for additional help if the problem is severe.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Stixxs. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian to discuss the possibility of separation anxiety. This is a potentially serious condition where the dog develops anxiety and destructive behaviors when left alone. If this is the case, it can be managed with behavioral modifications as well as medications. I hope this information helps!

Honestly, the best option is to consult with a professional, in-home dog trainer. In the long run this is going to be the most cost effective and will give you the best chance at resolving the issues without making them worse. These are times a professional needs to intervene. If you don't know what you are doing you can certainly make them worse. The trainer need to come to your house to see the behaviors and see how all the family members and/or other pets interact with him. Behavior problems are not quick fixes but you must consult a professional and be consistent. I really like BarkBusters and SitMeansSit but they may not have a trainer in your area. If not, call the closest one to you and see if they can refer you to someone else. You can also contact the rescue organization or your veterinarian for a training referral. ( https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-california-experts ) ( https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-sacramento-roseville-folsom ) ( https://sitmeanssit.com/locations/ ) In the meantime you can try some Adaptil diffusers, spray and/or collar to see if they help. You can usually buy these products at your local Petco. ( https://www.adaptil.com/us ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Camellia may have generalized anxiety, or separation anxiety. This can cause dogs to have destructive behaviors, such as chewing excessively, tearing up furniture or clothes, etc. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian about medications that can be given to help reduce anxiety at home, and make dogs much more calm at home. These can include Trazodone, Prozac, Clomicalm, etc. Many dogs tolerate these medications very well and can save them from being relinquished to shelters. I hope this is helpful! Please consider there before rehoming Camellia, as her underlying problems will not go away on their own, and changing homes can actually worsen her signs.

The first thing you should do is neuter him. If he’s not to be a stud dog this is best. Lowering testosterone levels often calms them. Number two, you need to get a professional trainer to help you. All that money you’ve spent buying replacement items could have been spent on training. The trainer can help you work with him to find out what the problem is and how to change the behavior. It’s not a quick fix so be patient. The number one reason dogs are re-homed is behavior issues. No one wants to take the time to properly train their dogs. Please get a trainer to help you so this dog doesn’t have to be re-homed again. Best wishes.