Dogs Destructive AFTER Day Care

pyromunky · 02-10-2010

We have a year old lab and a 10 month old shepherd mix. Two high energy dogs! Up until about a month ago we were able to wear our dogs out with morning and mid day walks enough to keep their anxiety and destructive behaviors at bay. Then we began taking them to day care twice a week to help relieve some of the burden of coming home from work everyday to exercise them. Now on the three days at home with the normal routine they are back to destroying the house again. With or without chew toys left behind it's Russian roulette.

We're not sure what the reasoning is behind this. Has their stamina increased? Are they getting bored more easily?

Appreciate any advice or suggestions you all might have...

Todd · 02-10-2010

what is the name of the daycare facility? does it have a website where i could have a look at it? some facilities simply dont have enough room for dogs to run. i know of some places that just consist of a small indoor playroom and others that have several acres of running area, ponds, etc. let me know where you live and i'd be happy to help you research the best facility to suit your dogs needs.

pyromunky · 02-10-2010

Thanks Todd,
But the problem isn't actually with the day care itself. I may have misled you with my title. The problem is not directly after day care, they are out for the rest of the night after a full day there. The problem is that the destructive behavior resurfaced AFTER we began taking them to day care twice a week. On the three days we leave them home, not at day care, they are beginning to chew up items around the house.

Todd · 02-10-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyromunky

Thanks Todd,
But the problem isn't actually with the day care itself. I may have misled you with my title. The problem is not directly after day care, they are out for the rest of the night after a full day there. The problem is that the destructive behavior resurfaced AFTER we began taking them to day care twice a week. On the three days we leave them home, not at day care, they are beginning to chew up items around the house.

oh, i see. they have probably adapted themselves to going to daycare to drain their energy and when they're at home they want to play around, just like at daycare. home isn't as much fun so they find things to do like chew on things, trash the house, etc. maybe consider doing daycare everyday you are not around and if that isn't financially an option, maybe consider hiring a cheap dog walker who can give them a 30 minute walk or so everyday.

Lunareclipse · 02-11-2010

My destructive one goes in a crate when I am away. He has growm to really like it. He now goes there by himself when he gets tired.

PuppyTrainingHelp · 02-12-2010

like previously said i think your dogs might be accustomed to playing with a bunch of other dogs during the day, so when you go to work and they are left home they are looking for those other dogs. looking for a way to burn off the energy they burn 3 days a week.

since they can't find a source to burn off the energy they take it out on your home. crates may be a good idea to put them in while you are away.