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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Anxious Dog and the destruction of our home!

36 replies

justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 19:48

Any advice here would be appreciated! I'm at a loss as to what to do next. Our boxer is 2 in October and in the past few weeks his anxiety has got worse. Previously Anything wood in the house would be stripped (not eaten, a pile of gnawed wood would be left).
He has never liked being left alone (suffers separation anxiety). However we've been able to do the school run and do the food shop and he's been ok. Today I popped out for 20 mins and when we came home, he had pulled the kids toys out of the cupboards, ripped the carpet up rubbish out of the bin and clothes from the laundry basket everywhere. None of these items (other than the carpet obv!) are left out. Everything is tidied away. He was shaking and in his bed.
He's been walked, fed and left a favourite toy out for him with the tv on for background noise.
We've had a dog behaviourist out in the summer whose advised us to change his diet which we've done (previously too high in protein), carry on with the regular walks and toys for mental stimulation.
Is this him hitting his teenage years? If my OH is home or the one who leaves he's ok it's as if he listens to him to be good but as soon as I leave it seems to be the thing that triggers him to act out. I'm starting to feel trapped at home. I don't want him to feel alone but I need to go to the post office etc at times and he can't come along. My biggest fear is he's going to end up hurting himself.
There's no difference in our ways of leaving the house. We've tried the getting ready to leave the house and as soon as he reacts stop.
It's like he's grand most of the time but without rhyme or reason he has a bad day and there's no difference in leaving the house routine.

He's such a sweet thing and I hate to think he's so scared.

Sorry it's long!x

OP posts:
LBee2020 · 16/10/2021 20:06

I don't have any advice but wanted to bump this as your poor pup sounds really anxious and like he needs help. It doesn't sound like your behaviourist offered you much behavioural advice. Could you try a vet behaviourist as it might be that some medication would help bring his anxiety down to a level where you can start training him to happily he left alone....starting at really small intervals ?

Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 20:11

Thank you @LBee2020 I hadn't actually thought of going to the vets at this point. Guess I've been hoping if we change his anxiety will get better Sad
He's so sweet and I just want what's best for him. Think I'll book an appointment with the vet and see what they suggest. x

OP posts:
Nicola2182 · 16/10/2021 20:14

Have you not crate trained him?
Our staffie has been crate trained since she was a puppy and absolutely loves it in her "safe space". She sleeps hours in there.. we put a blanket over the top so it's dark and cosy in there. If we are out for more than a few hours we leave her a tasty bone and we always keep the tv on for her. we were advised to do this as it relieves anxiety, dogs are natural "den" animals x

FreshFreesias · 16/10/2021 20:14

Get another dog so he has a pal.
I’ve always had 2 dogs and it makes such a difference. They are pack animals after all.

Keladrythesaviour · 16/10/2021 20:15

Does he have access to the whole house or just to one room? Ours can't cope with having space to wander, it's like she spends the time searching for us and then panicking when she can't find us. We crate trained when we got her (rescue, 15months). It's not for everyone but in her crate she's perfectly happy and chilled to be left for a couple of hours. We tried opening it up now she's older (4) and have her access to the utility and corridor. She didn't destroy stuff but did urinate and defecate which we know is a panic response, not out of need, so we've gone back to the crate.
It takes time and not every dog is suited to it, but even reducing his space slightly could help with the overwhelming panic.

Roselilly36 · 16/10/2021 20:17

Our dog was a bit like this, as a pup, tore up vinyl floor, carpets, wrecked the spindles of the staircase. If we had to go out we took him for a long walk, and left him with a Kong dog toy stuffed with treats to keep him busy, seemed to work for us. Once we got over this initial time he was such a lovely dog until he was pts at 13yrs old, we still miss him every day.

Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 20:28

We tried crate training but he was shaking and so cowed by it. Yet as a pup we did do it so he had a safe space and he was fine with it. Then almost overnight he hated it. So we stopped and got him a bed and it's under the stairs (it's an open space not a cupboard or anything!) we've done it like a snug for him which he loves and is his safe space.
He doesn't go upstairs but he doesn't like being in one room. Again we tried this and ended up with no floor in the kitchen! So we give him the space downstairs and he's happy with that.. until he isn't. He's smart enough and can open doors which is worrying me as he is pulling things out and I'm worried this will result in him hurting himself. I'm storing things with him in mind as a toddler but storage isn't infinite. The kitchen cupboards has door locks so he doesn't get into anything that stores cleaning stuff. Which has worked on the cleaning cupboard only!
Thank you for all your suggestions. I do appreciate it. x

Oh and I'd love another dog but I think I want my huge baby settled first.

OP posts:
icedcoffees · 16/10/2021 20:30

Have you ever considered crate training him? It reads to me like you're leaving him with the run of at least one room if he can raid the bin and destroy toys.

Many dogs find too much territory makes them anxious. I would have a read-up on crate training and see whether you feel you can do that with him. A nice, cosy crate with clothing that smells of you, plus a dark cover over the top to encourage him to sleep could help you massively here, though you'll need to spend a fair few days/weeks getting him happy with the crate first.

Leaving him with a chew won't help when he's as anxious as you describe, as severe anxiety means dogs can't eat.

icedcoffees · 16/10/2021 20:31

X-post re. crate training.

I would go back to the beginning with crate training and start over as if he was a puppy. You can't keep leaving him out to destroy your home - like you say, it only takes him to eat the wrong thing once for him to get really, really poorly.

Can you use a babygate to keep him "in" his bed area?

Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 20:31

@Roselilly36 this is pretty much what we do. Long walks as he's big (to me) breed so needs a good stretch.
It's good to hear it's something he may grow out of. Did he just grow out of it in the end?

OP posts:
Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 20:36

@icedcoffees the baby gate idea is a good shout thank you. That would hopefully help him feel safe and not trapped or overwhelmed.
I am wary of ever putting him in a crate again as he was so bad shaking,accidents excessive drooling.
It's funny as the dog behaviourist told us to not leave him in one room as it was causing his anxiety and he should be allowed the roam of the house as he would if we were there. She was adamant this would reduce and eventually stop this behaviour. There's def no one size fits all.

OP posts:
icedcoffees · 16/10/2021 20:44

Some dogs find crates stressful (mine is one of them) but others definitely find having too much "space" and territory stressful too.

I would try a baby gate over his den/bed area but train him to be left there very, very slowly and carefully. LOTS of positive enforcement and praise. Build up from leaving him for literally 10-20 seconds to a minute, and slowly, slowly increase the time.

It might take you six months to get him able to be left for an hour, but it will be worth it if he's happy.

Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 20:50

Thank you that's a really great idea. I feel like that's something that will work for him. It seems a happy medium between the two extremes I've tried. The time it takes isn't an issue, as long as it results in him feeling confident.

Honestly thank you guys. I posted this feeling so lost and wondering what to do to make my boy feel confident and I've got a plan that could work!

OP posts:
icedcoffees · 16/10/2021 20:55

Aww, I really hope it works for you!

My beagle has awful separation anxiety though I can leave him out without him being destructive - but he howls and cries if he's left for too long - it's so difficult and I really sympathise about how restrictive it is.

You could also try medication - zyklene is good for keeping them calm, or valerian is a more natural alternative. Both are available without a prescription though I would speak to your vet before giving him anything.

ThePoetsWife · 16/10/2021 20:59

I would buy a copy (or download) Be Right Back! by Julia Naismith.

It sounds like he has severe SA - crating won't help.

Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 21:00

Oh bless him it's horrid to know they stressing so much isn't it?
Most people I know find it funny as he's such a huge lump and yet is scared to be alone. Which isn't helpful! He's a timid thing and is only happy when he has all his family around him.

OP posts:
Original poster
justfiveminsofpeace · 16/10/2021 21:02

Thank you for the book recommendation @ThePoetsWife I'll order that now!

OP posts:
HarrisMcCoo · 16/10/2021 21:06

Can you use safety gates to segregate him in a safe area of your home? Like the kitchen?

anon51 · 16/10/2021 21:13

We have a baby gate in the kitchen, our 11 month old cocker spaniel is happy to stay in there for atleast 2 hours while we are out. We leave her a toy and a bed/blanket with access to her water bowl etc. She is much happier in there rather than her crate, the kitchen is virtually dog proof.

Goneroundthetwist · 16/10/2021 21:16

My dog doesn’t like to be left too long. What helped us that she got a treat ball every time we left. She now associates us going with food, it has definitely helped as it keeps her busy for about 15 minutes and we have gradually built it up. What about something like a frozen Kong and come back before it’s finished, building it up?

Keladrythesaviour · 16/10/2021 21:17

They also suggest with SA that you try desensitising him to you going out (if that's his trigger) so whilst he's at home constantly and irregularly pick up your keys, put on your shoes and coat and go out the door. Then come in again 30sec later etc. Dont greet or acknowledge him when you come in. The idea is he stops seeing you going out as a major problem because you could be back in just a second. It also might be worth getting one of those cameras so you can watch him when out, it would be useful to know when the problem behaviour starts, as that gives you a basis on how long you can leave him to start with. It will also let you know if it's SA or boredom (SA starts when leaving or shortly after, boredom more likely after a while).

Wolfiefan · 16/10/2021 21:18

If you’re on FB look at the group dog training advice and support. They have awesome advice about SA.
Definitely don’t get another dog. Dog 1 is likely to teach Dog 2 this behaviour.

PollyRoullson · 16/10/2021 21:18

NOOOOOO do not crate train.

You have a dog showing extreme separation anxiety not distress but true anxiety. He will not grow out of it . It will get worse if not treated. Julie Naismith will give insight but her program will not work without professional imput.

Get a vet appointment and get them to refer you to a qualified APBC behaviourist . Your insurance may cover this.

PollyRoullson · 16/10/2021 21:19

Agree do not get another dog.

Veterinari · 16/10/2021 21:26

@justfiveminsofpeace
He need a proper behavioural assessment by an accredited behaviourist (the one you saw doesn't sound good), prescription anti anxiety medication and a counter conditioning programme

See the APBC website to find a behaviourist