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by Bonnie Jeffers, GreySave volunteer You may never face the following behavior problems with your dog. If you do, however, realize that these behaviors are not the mark of a criminal dog. They simply represent either normal canine behavior (needing a more human approved outlet) or behavior brought about by a lack of self-confidence or security on the part of your dog (which will cure itself with love, patience, and a little work on your part).
Many dogs will move into their new home with ease, suffering little or no anxiety when left alone. This is especially true for dogs who are in families where someone is home most of the time. However, the chances of your new dog spending time alone every weekday are probably high. While it is acceptable to expect your dog to adjust to this situation, you need to help with this adjustment. Commonly referred to as separation anxiety, some dogs
may exhibit various separation related behavioral problems. These
can include constant barking, destructiveness, and house soiling.
The first problem with separation anxiety is a misunderstanding
on the part of the dog’s owner. The person feels the actions
are “on purpose” and “out of spite.” In
reality, the dog does not analyze the situation to this extent.
The dog’s actions are merely the physical signs of emotional
distress caused by the departure of the owner.
Uninformed people say, “I know my dog understands because he or she has a guilty look when I return.” That “guilty look” does not come from the realization that chewing the chair leg was wrong. It comes from reading your verbal and nonverbal cues that something is wrong. Punishing the dog when you return and find a mistake teaches the dog that “being left alone precedes getting punished.” Obviously being left alone then causes even more anxiety, which causes your dog to become more destructive. It is far better to prevent problems rather than punish the dog. Work through the same steps that were listed under separation anxiety. They will help you have a secure, nondestructive family member. Remember, patience and persistence (once again) are the keys. Your dog will grow to understand that you do come home every day and that the time alone is not a cause for anxiety.
The easiest way to deal with chewing is to provide a wide variety of chew toys for your dog. Check your local pet store for a broad selection; and, as with children’s toys, make certain there are no removable parts which could come loose and injure your dog. The toys themselves don’t have to be new, just frequently interchanged.
Store a variety toys in one spot so your dog can learn where to go to select an appropriate chew toy. A basket in the corner is a good choice. Begin by showing the dog where the toys are located. When you find your dog chewing on an inappropriate item, trade it for a toy out of the basket; then praise profusely. He or she will get the message you’re sending– it’s much more fun to chew on the toys and get praised than to chew on other things. |
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Dogs
are naturally den animals and sometimes feel safest in smaller,
den-like spaces. Before using a crate when you are gone, however,
make sure your dog is comfortable in the crate. (See "Crate
Training" section") If the dog sees the crate as a negative
place, you will simply increase the separation anxiety problem.
by leaving him there for hours.
A
frustrating situation occurs when the dog does something wrong while
the owner is absent. It is frustrating because you may never punish
a dog unless you witness him in the act itself. 
Chewing
is a natural, normal canine behavior. Once dogs are adults, the
main cause of chewing is to alleviate stress and boredom. Unfortunately
for dogs, humans usually think of chewing as a sign of misbehavior.
The solution actually comes in the form of compromise between human
and dog; you learn to provide appropriate outlets for this inbred
behavior, and the dog learns to use only those outlets.