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Extremely Destructive Dogs
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Some dogs are destructive but you can see that there is an element of play in their destruction. This supplement is for dogs whose destructive behaviour seems to have an element of panic to it; who frantically dig at floor or wall as though desperate to escape. All the advice given in the chewing when left instructions is appropriate but extreme measures have to be taken to calm the dog, reduce the desire to dig or chew and to remove the opportunities for destruction.

(1) To calm the dog.

Diet. Use a dog food such as Precise which is free of preservatives, nitrates and artificial colours and add to this a cheap form of protein ( fish, chicken hearts, etc. ) to bring the protein content over 30%.

Exercise. You can hardly give the dog too much exercise as a tired dog is more likely to sleep than try to escape. To give the dog exercise in a short time erect a circle of low jumps and go round with the dog on a lead. Walk where the dog can run at the end of a long cord or free if he will always return to you. If you have a large tree a stick hanging by a rope from a branch will get the dog to jump and pull but usually only if you play with him. Outside the tennis season, the courts with the door shut make a good place for ball games with a dog who might otherwise run away.

Interactions with people. In the house try to act always in a calm manner around the dog and do not allow anyone to play stimulating games with him. For example, if the children are playing rough and tumble games, take the dog to another room with an adult.

It is very important that the dog is trained to come, sit, down and stay and, if it already knows these commands, that it still has five or ten minutes every day, quickly going over all it knows and then moving on to something it is still learning. The reason this is so important is that it occupies the dog's mind, gives it the close association with you that it might be craving (destruction can be a way to get your attention) and makes the dog acknowledge that you are the leader and must be obeyed. During this training give a command clearly but only once. Have it on a leash so if it does not immediately obey you can push it into a sitting or down position and then praise it. Training must be fun, with praise and rewards so the dog's anxiety is not increased.

In training, work particularly on the down/stay, gradually increasing the time to an hour using the timer on your stove. Have a mat or towel on which the dog rests on a down/stay and when you have company put the dog on a down/stay beside your chair and sit on the lead. This has a calming effect on the dog and reinforces your leadership role.

(2) Causes of the desire to dig or chew.

Digging. Keep the nails well trimmed as digging is the natural way a dog will wear down overlong nails. Some breeds (terriers and some others) were bred to dig for prey and it helps to set aside a small area of the garden where they are encouraged to dig, at first by burying food or their bone. Sand will save the dog from getting muddy but erect a low wall round it so the sand falls back into the sandpit as the dog digs. If the dog ever paws at the floor or wall as though it is thinking of digging, say 'No' and immediately take it to the digging area and encourage it to dig.

Chewing. Give the dog only a nylon or rawhide bone and a ball and actively encourage the dog to chew on them. If he takes anything else into his mouth, scold and remove the object and immediately present the bone and play with it.

(3) Removing the opportunities for destruction.

The dog should never be left unsupervised in the places and conditions that led to destruction in the past. This may mean a baby gate to keep the dog in the same room with you or a crate when you leave the house. Some dogs from an animal shelter panic when put in a crate. Try to get the dog to accept the crate by making it comfortable, leaving the door open and treats at the back. When it goes in willingly close the door for a short time, staying with the dog and reassuring it. Success has been achieved with dogs who could not be crated by having the family take turns to have the dog attached by the leash to a belt round their waist so the dog is always with someone. This constant supervision is to span the time needed for diet and training to calm the dog and the destructive habit to be broken. It should slowly be relaxed as the dog becomes calmer.

see also
Chewing when left alone

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