Home Alone

Written by Lisa Woody

Most dogs are home by themselves during the day, when all the humans are at home or school. That's when a lot of the destruction that comes from bored dogs happens. Chewing, barking, shredding, digging and general mayhem often happens when dogs just don't have enough to do.

In fact, boredom and anxiety behaviors are a top-three reason why many dogs end up at shelters, surrendered by owners who don't know how to redirect their dogs' energy while they're gone. If you're struggling with this type of behavior, Lisa Woody, host of the Lucky Dog Show shares a few ways to combat the "frantically bored" dog in your life.

Take your dog on a morning walk.
A brisk walk not only provides a workout, but physical activity is an outlet for stress. And, along with the physical stimulation, there's plenty of mental stimulation, too. A walk provides a dog with plenty of things to look at and sniff. This often results in a dog who's ready for a nap when he gets home. Plus, it's good for you, too.
Give your dog something constructive to do.
Instead of letting the dog decide what she'll chew up each day, give her an approved toy to work on, Hard plastic treat-dispensing toys, Kong toys and even femur bones filled with peanut butter or spray cheese, Cheerios, carrots or kibble can keep a dog occupied for hours. And most of them are dishwasher safe.
Re-introduce the crate.
After a vigorous walk in the morning, put your dog in a crate with a chew toy that will keep her busy for hours. She'll likely work on that for a while, then nap until you come home. When you come home, take her out of the crate and go straight outside with her. Throw a ball or frisbee to let her get the kinks out. This daily routine can give you a mentally balanced, de-stressed dog, and can save your cabinets and shoes!
Restrict access to the house.
If your dog continually gets into the trash, shreds the blinds or chews the windowsill, use baby gates to cordon off areas of the home that present attractive targets for him. When you're home, be sure you know where your dog is at all times. If necessary, put a leash on your dog indoors, and tie the leash to your belt. This keeps the dog at your side, focused on your movements, and occupied with keeping up with you. Do this for two hours a day for two weeks and you'll likely end up with a dog who's much more attuned and responsive to you, which can eliminate destruction when he's not home alone.
When school lets out, many dogs get frenzied by the kids walking by.
Try turning on a radio to distract the dog from reacting to children's voices outside. Even if you don't have kids walking past, a soothing CD, playlist or radio station can have a calming effect on your dog.