Why is my dog being destructive?

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Dogs can be destructive for many reasons, including boredom and loneliness. In most cases, dog's don't like not being the centre of attention.

In the first few exciting weeks after bringing a dog home, it's very natural to give a dog lots of attention - but now, when you don't, they makes their feelings known. This behaviour can sometimes be worse when you have other people visiting your home, and your dog really feels the need to grab fight for your attention.

Ragging on anything near to hand (such as on the floor) is fair game, and from your dog's point of view, your reaction means they get what they wanted - your attention.

Tackling this issue could be quite simple. Share some fun time with your dog before visitors come, perhaps a walk or a little basic training like sit, paw, wait, and down, with lots of praise for good responses. By the time your friends arrive they will be physically tired and mentally exercised. Continue to practise these basic commands as visitors come in so that they can interact and reward her for positive behaviours and don't become a cue for being left out. You could also give your dog something like a special tasty Kong so that they can take themselves away and are occupied with that.

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Set your dog up to succeed. Try not to leave stuff at ground level for them to investigate and grab. Have favourite chews and toys around which they can grab instead, and reward your dog for choosing them.

If your dog does get hold of an ‘illegal' toy, ignore them. And ask your visitors to play with and talk to them too, so that they become a fun addition to your dog's day, and not something which is going to make them feel left out.