Why Is My Dog Being Destructive All of A Sudden?

A question that all dog owners eventually face: why is my dog being destructive all of a sudden? Many dog owners wonder why their furry friend has suddenly turned into a little terror. This can be frustrating and expensive for pet owners. In this article, we'll learn why your dog might be acting out destructive and offer some solutions to help curb the behavior.

Some Common Symptoms of Destructive Behavior in Dogs

If your dog is destructive, there are some common symptoms to look out for:

Digging holes in the yard

Many dogs will start to dig holes in the yard as a way to release pent-up energy. If your dog is destructive when left alone, they may be trying to find a way to entertain themselves. Boredom and lack of exercise are often the root causes of destructive behavior in dogs.

Barking persistently when left alone

Another common symptom of destructive behavior is persistent barking when left alone. This can signify that your dog is anxious and stressed when left alone. Dogs may bark to release energy or get attention from their owners.

Excessively licking itself

Dogs may excessively lick themselves as a way to soothe their anxiety. Unfortunately, this destructive behavior can lead to skin irritation and infections. If your dog is excessively licking itself, it's vital to seek professional help to find the underlying cause of the anxiety.

Destroying door frames or window sills

A dog destructive when alone is no joke; they may start to destroy door frames or window sills. It could be due to boredom, anxiety, or even just attention-seeking. If you think it might be one of these reasons, try giving your dog more toys and activities to keep them occupied or taking them on more walks.

Chewing on furniture

Most destructive dog breeds may start chewing on furniture or acting destructively at some point in time. It could be that they're bored and looking for something to do, experiencing separation anxiety, or trying to get your attention. Regardless of the reason, it's essential to nip this behavior in the bud as soon as possible.

Aggressiveness towards other dogs or people

If you notice your dog acting aggressively towards other dogs or people, it's time to seek professional help. This destructive behavior can be a sign of underlying issues such as anxiety or stress.

Why Is My Dog Being Destructive All of A Sudden?

There are several reasons why your dog may be acting out in a destructive manner all of a sudden. They could be reacting to changes in their environment, or they could be sick or in pain. If your dog is displaying destructive behaviors, it's crucial to figure out why so that you can help them.

1. Boredom

One of the most common reasons dogs act out destructively is boredom. If your dog lacks mental stimulation, they may start chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard. To prevent this, ensure you're giving your dog plenty of opportunities to exercise their brain with puzzles and toys.

2. Separation anxiety

Another reason why dogs may act out destructively is separation anxiety. This is when a dog becomes anxious and stressed when they're away from their owner. If your dog is exhibiting destructive behaviors when you leave them alone, it's vital to seek professional help so that you can learn how to manage the condition properly.

3. Not enough exercise

If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, they may start to act out in destructive ways. Dogs need to burn off excess energy, and if they're not given the opportunity to do so, they may take it out on your furniture or belongings. Make sure you're giving your dog plenty of opportunities to run and play so they can stay healthy and happy.

4. Stress

Just like humans, dogs can also experience stress. For example, if your dog is under a lot of pressure, they may start to act out in destructive ways. If you think your dog's destructive behaviors are due to stress, try to identify the source of the stress and see if there are any ways you can help them cope.

5. Health problems

Sometimes, dogs act out in destructive ways because they're sick or in pain. If this is the case with your furry friend, it's essential to take them to the vet so that they can rule out any underlying health problems.

6. Teething troubles

If your dog is a puppy, it may be acting out destructively because they're teething. When puppies are teething, they often chew on things to help relieve the pain and pressure. So if your puppy is being destructive, ensure you're providing them with plenty of chew toys so they can get through this phase without damaging your belongings.

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7. It craves your attention

Another common reason why dogs act out destructively is because they crave attention from their owners. If your dog feels like they're being ignored, they may start to misbehave in order to get your attention. To prevent this, ensure you're spending plenty of time with your dog and giving them the love and attention they need.

8. Bad habits

If your dog has developed bad habits, they may go on a rampage. For example, if you catch your dog chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard, it's essential to correct the behavior immediately. Otherwise, your dog will continue to do it, becoming a more difficult habit to break.
No matter the reason for your dog's destructive behaviors, it's crucial to figure out why so that you can help them. If you're unsure why your dog is being destructive, talk to your vet or a professional behaviorist for help.

How to Stop Destructive Dog Behavior

It can be frustrating and worrisome if your dog is suddenly exhibiting destructive behaviors. However, we have the solution. Here's how to train a destructive dog:

1. Buy chew toys for your dog

Chew toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied and distracted from destructive behaviors. Be sure to get a variety of chew toys, so your dog doesn't get bored. Try different kinds of chew toys, like hard rubber bones or soft plush toys. You can even make your chew toy by wrapping an old sock around a tennis ball.

2. Treat for separation anxiety

If your dog is acting out because of separation anxiety, try giving them a treat when you leave the house. This will help them associate you leaving with something positive. You can also try leaving for short periods of time and gradually increasing the amount of time you're gone.

3. Give your dog plenty of exercise

A tired dog is a good dog. Be sure to give your dog plenty of exercise, especially if they're full of energy. A long walk or run will tire them out and help them focus when you're gone. You can also try playing fetch or tug-of-war to get their energy out. With patience and training, your dog will be back to their old self in no time.

4. Make a vet appointment

If your dog's destructive behavior is sudden and unexplained, it's always a good idea to make a vet appointment. The vet will be able to rule out any medical causes and give you guidance on how to best help your dog.

5. Make sure the dog has plenty of fun toys and activities to do while you’re gone

Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied while you're gone. This will help reduce their anxiety and prevent them from getting bored.Try leaving your dog with a food puzzle toy or a Kong filled with treats. You can also give them a chew toy or bone to keep them busy.

6. Having a dog camera in your home so that you can distract your pooch will help

If you're worried about your dog's destructive behavior, a dog camera can help. You can use the camera to keep an eye on your dog and give them treats or toys when they're being good. You can also use the camera to distract your dog when you're away from home. If you're asking yourself how to train a destructive dog, the answer may be simpler than you think. It could be that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed when left alone, and is acting out as a way to release that energy. One way to help alleviate separation anxiety in dogs is by using an interactive pet camera like the WOPET Dog Treat Camera.

The WOPET dog camera lets you see, talk to, and even toss a treat to your dogs via the free WOPET app. It also has night vision and live streaming in HD so that you can check in on your pup anytime, anywhere. Plus, the built-in treat dispenser means you can keep your dog entertained even when you're not around.

So if you're wondering how to stop a destructive dog, buy the WOPET Interactive Dog Camera. By giving your dog a way to stay connected with you while you're away, you can help reduce their anxiety and give them a sense of security. And who knows, you might even get to see a few adorable tricks while you're at it!

Wrapping It Up

There are a number of reasons why your dog may be acting out all of a sudden. It could be that they're bored, anxious, or even sick. If you're not sure what's causing the behavior, it's best to consult with your veterinarian or a professional trainer. With some patience and perseverance, you should be able to calm them.