Playing, chewing and exploring are normal behaviors in puppies. However, when such behaviors become destructive, it might be time to know what happening. Destructive behavior in dogs can be frustrating and lead to property damage. In fact, it is one of the most reported issues from dog owners.
It is vital to understand that your dog is not participating in destructive activities because of spite or revenge. Mostly, it does that when it is anxious or has excess energy. Understand the common causes of such behaviors to know the right steps to take. This article will explain some of these common causes of destructive behaviors in dogs.
- Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is the most common cause of destructive behavior in pups. If you obtained you have a stray pet or obtained it from a shelter, you may experience this behavior often. A dog with separation anxiety may follow you from one room to another, react when you leave the house or display hysterical greeting behaviors. Destructive behaviors in such a case are not due to revenge. Therefore, avoid giving punishments.
- Boredom or Social Isolation
If your dog is not properly socialized, it may depict the bad behavior. A dog that does not receive adequate interaction with other dogs or people engage in activities that are adherently destructive. It is paramount to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated. Allow it to socialize so it can get comfortable around other people and pets. In such a case taking it to a doggy day care will help. At the facility, the dog will interact with other animals and people. It will also get trained, helping stop the destructive behavior.
- Fear and Phobia
If your dog fears loud noises and thunderstorms, it may indulge in bad behaviors to escape the fear. Thus, screens, doors, window trims or walls may get damaged in the attempt to escape. Excessively fearful dogs may even result in injuring themselves.
- Teething
Puppies may experience gum pain when teething. As such, they may perceive chewing as way of relieving the discomfort and pain. If that is the case, find a way to help the pup get comfortable. However, the behavior will cease once its permanent teeth grow.
- Medical Issues
Gum pain, dental issues or gastrointestinal irritation may cause destructive behavior. Sometimes disease can cause excess hunger or eating non-food items. In such case, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a medical issue.
- Inappropriate Punishment
Inappropriate or excessive punishment may also be a contributing factor to destructive behavior. If you punish your dog because of the misbehavior, it will elicit anxiety every time the dog sees you. The anticipation when you arrive increases anxiety, which results in the destructive behavior.
- Inconsistent Routine
Dogs don’t do well with inconsistent routines. A change in their daily routine due to moving or other adjustments may cause stress. This stress leads to the destructive behavior. Inconsistency in feeding routine may also cause the behavior.
In conclusion, destructive behavior in dogs has many causes. Therefore, you need to clearly know the cause in order to deal with the problem effectively. However, understand that this is part of the experience that every dog owner goes through. All you need is to differentiate between serious issues and the normal dog play.
