Is this separation anxiety??

[izzywillynilly]

I have a 1yr old dog, that I adopted 4 months ago. Overnight, he is gated in the utility room, and he will chew anything he can, skirting boards, door frames, furniture, has destroyed every bed that we have bought him. He is left with kongs, and a variation of toys, that I alternate, but nothing seems to make a difference.

It also doesn't seem to matter how tired he is, and we hear him starting to chew, about 20-30 minutes after we go upstairs.

When he is left in the day, he is also gated in the utility room, And has never chewed anything, just goes to sleep, and seems fine left for long periods of time, including evenings/till early morning.

Can dogs just have separation anxiety, when they know your in the house, and can't get to you?

I think it's a learned behaviour, and probably arose from boredom. Does he show any signs of anxiety when you are preparing to go to bed? What is his reaction when you get up in the morning?

I'd think crate training is a number one priority here, plus reviewing the situation with toys and feeding. Other interventions may be advisable but this sounds like it's potentially deal breaking damage so I'd advice getting your vet to refer you to an APBC member for behaviour counselling. His insurance is likely to cover this.

The dog's insurance, not your vet's!