[jasonmac4490]

Okay, let me start off by saying thanks to the mods for allowing me access. Now, I am 19 years old and live with my mom while I go to school. I got my dog Henley in August and he is now 8 months old. He is a fox hound/lab mix but more fox hound we all think. Anyway, my mom wants to get rid of him because she thinks he is ruining the house, blah blah blah. Well I got back today after a couple days of being with my family for thanksgiving. My mom came back a day early because she had stuff she needed to do. This morning (I got back this afternoon), after she took him out she came upstairs and left him up here. I ALWAYS put him in the kennel because I know what he is capable of doing (tearing up pillows, tearing up anything really while I'm away etc etc) So I come home to find a pillow completely gutted the stuffing is COVERING the floor. Add to that, he also chewed up the vacuum cleaner cord. There was nothing I could do either because I know you aren't suppose to punish a dog AFTER catching what they've done because they don't know why they're getting punished, I know you're only supposed to punish them when you catch them in the act. Here is the problem, while I'm around he NEVER tries these things, it's like he knows that he won't get in trouble unless he is caught. What am I supposed to do if I can't catch him in the act? Is Henley doomed to stay in the kennel whenever I'm not at the house for the rest of his life? Please somebody help. I don't want this to be the straw that broke the Camels back with my mom, and finally force me to get rid of him. Please any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

-Jason

[Lara's mom]

Have you provided Henley with lots of stuff that it's ok for him to chew? You didn't mention that in your post. Chewing is natural activity for dogs. They do it for pleasure as well as to relieve anxiety. Visit your local pet store. A kong is a good chew toy as well as a lot of fun for the two of you to enjoy together. There are smoked bones in every size. Henley sounds like a fairly big boy so, you'll want to invest in a large one, preferably one with the marrow inside. A big smoked marrow bone will provide plenty of chewing enjoyment and will taste better than the cushions! If you ask the people at your local pet store, they will be able to give you more suggestions for good chew toys for a dog his size. I would NOT give him rawhide chews. They are too easy to rip bits off of and could become lodged in his throat.

You said he never chews inappropriately when you are home. That leads me to believe that he's bored and anxious when he's left alone. Chewing is one way in which dogs relieve their anxiety.

Try this: Find a large sturdy hollow bone - available from your pet store. Fill it with peanut butter. Give it to him only when you're going out and he's going to be alone. If he's like most dogs, he'll be so busy trying to lick out the peanut butter from that bone that he will barely notice your absence. Leave the house for 5 - 10 minutes. When you return, take the bone away from him and wash it out. This treat must be for ONLY when you go out. Praise him and offer him a treat or some play time with you. Repeat this, leaving the house for a little longer each time. Henley will come to associate your leaving with something positive and his need to chew is taken care of. Just remember that as soon as you come back, the bone is taken away. If you let him have it all the time, it will no longer be a "special treat." BTW, if Henley doesn't happen to like peanut butter, cheez whiz works just as well.

Make sure that your dog always has lots of toys around that it is alright for him to chew. I did this with my Border Collie X from the time she was a puppy and she never destroyed anything of mine. She never had to be crated either. You might want to remove the cushions when you go out, just to remove any potential temptation until he has this problem under control. What he is experiencing is separation anxiety. That hollow bone trick has worked for everyone I know who has tried it. Also, leave the radio or the television on for him. Having some background noise will make him feel less alone.

I hope this helps!

[millsandbones]

yeah, giving him toys and something to chew will eventually let your dog understand what to chew and not to chew.

[canine researcher]

I'm no expert at dog's behavior, but this article may give you an idea.

Dog Separation Anxiety

" Separation anxiety is one of the most common canine behavioral problems. It is estimated that about 15 percent of dogs in the United States suffer from this problem. A dog with separation anxiety will become extremely distressed when he realizes that you are about to leave home. Once you’re gone, he may howl, bark, urinate, defecate, or otherwise wreak havoc throughout the house. "

I hope this helps