I Tore Mom's Notebook! Why Dogs Sometimes Destroy Things

Recently, mom caught me tearing up a notebook...HER notebook. "Chezhi!" a sharp voice from mom. That moment I knew I was doing something not so good. She actually had wanted to take a video of me for some other reason I believe but caught me in this act. A couple of hours later, I heard her talking to family that she got a perfect video for destructive behavior in dogs. 

Shouldn't you thank me, mom?

If you have a moment, you would probably want to check the video of my destructive behavior...honestly, I didn't know this fun act had such a poor name.

You know it does not feel good to be caught in the act of doing something one is not supposed to...but she caught me in the act at least twice. Well, the second time she laughed seeing what I had been doing. No hard feelings.

Wondering why she laughed the second time? Here is another destructive behavior mode:

Despite this act, my family understood I had the least intention of destroying anything. I am glad they did. 

What Did Mom Learn?

Many pet parents would have noticed their pet on a destructive mode occasionally. Well, a dog's destructive behavior is actually a form of communication.

Destructive Behavior in Dogs

Dogs may tear paper, chew shoes, dig up cushions as if they sensed it had some hidden treasure or they may shred objects for various reasons. Experts call this destructive behavior.

Why Do Dogs Become Destructive?

Some of the most common reasons for destructive behavior in dogs include:

Boredom

Dogs need mental stimulation. Without it, they create their own entertainment and that could lead to destructive behavior.

Teething

Puppies undergo teething phase during which they explore the world around them with their mouths. Your book may interest them or they may have some special liking for your clothing.

Anxiety or Stress

Some dogs get anxious or stressed when they are left alone. Out of anxiety or stress, they tend to chew or destroy things. 

Excess Energy

Dogs need to spend their energy everyday. They need regular exercising, they need to be taken out for walks so they can experience the world around them sniffing on the way. When dogs do not get enough exercise, they go on destructive mode, but it is only the objects that they can get hold of. Particularly, working breeds and active dogs need structured exercise.

Curiosity

A very sweet reason for destructive behavior in dog could be their interest in an object that carries your scent. Would you mind unless your pet gets hurt? 

Is Destructive Behavior Always Bad?

Healthy chewing and shredding instincts are natural in dogs. We only need to guide them toward appropriate outlets so their natural instincts will be at play without causing harm. 

Here are certain ideas you can try:

• chew toys
• snuffle mats
• tug games
• cardboard shredding activities

When Should You Be Concerned?

If your dog's destructive behavior is:

• sudden and extreme
• paired with aggression
• linked to separation distress
• causing self-harm

you may have to seek professional support.

Sometimes what looks like destruction is simply a dog being a dog.

In Chezhi's case, the notebook incident was more about play and curiosity while the shawl incident was out of anxiety that I was going out without her. Well, she got more than her share of attention. Mission accomplished.