You come in from work. Your dog happily greets you at the door. Then you spot the big hole in your new couch. You may even ask “Why is my dog destroying my house?”
It’s a common issue among dog parents. But you should know your dog didn’t shred your couch out of spite. No. You’re not a bad dog owner. The good news is that once you understand the reason behind the destructive behavior, you’re much more likely to choose the solution that actually works.
Thankfully, destructive dog behavior almost always has a reason. This article will cover the most common reasons and reassure you that you’re not alone.
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Budget tip: Discovering why your dog is destroying your home, means you can find the right solution. That can save you money on replaced items and even vet bills from injuries.
A Dog Destroying Things Isn’t Bad
Dogs aren’t spiteful. They have a reason for the things they do. The key is to discover why your dog is being destructive.
The Most Common Reasons Dogs Destroy Things
There can be many reasons why your dog’s behavior is destructive. It could even be a combination of reasons.
Bored Dogs May Become Destructive
A bored dog may search for their own sources of entertainment. That could be destructive chewing or digging a hole in your couch. [link to furniture digging article]
Boredom can happen when your dog isn’t challenged with mental activities. Also, boredom may occur when your pup doesn’t get enough physical activity.
Dogs With Too Much Energy May Destroy Things
When your dog has too much energy, they may try to release it on their own. That may mean running circles in your living room and even knocking over valuable objects like your priceless Tiffany lamp.
My dog, Henry, will try to dig a hole in his bed when he hasn’t burned off all his energy during the day.
Puppies, Border Collies, and herding dogs naturally have a lot of energy.
My family had a Border Collie many years ago. She would run circles in the backyard for 30 minutes to burn off her energy. A tired dog is less likely to be a destructive dog.
A lack of cognitive activities can also contribute to your dog having too much energy.
Puppies Naturally Explore With Their Mouths
A puppy naturally explores the world with their mouth, which can lead to destructive tendencies. That may mean your young dog might eat your great-aunt’s quilt.
An Untrained Dog Doesn’t Know Better
A lack of training means your dog hasn’t discovered they have boundaries. They don’t know that the garbage can is off limits.
If your dog opens the trash can and unearths a yummy half-eaten sandwich, then the behavior is rewarded. That means it will be a repeated destructive habit.
Separation Anxiety Can Become Destructive
Some dogs with anxiety will try to soothe themselves by chewing or destroying things like your treasured book collection.
If your dog is suffering from anxiety, you’ll see your pup:
- Shaking or trembling
- Inappropriate chewing
- Panting
- Pacing
- Barking
- Unable to settle down
My dog, Henry, has suffered from anxious behavior. He’s destroyed a laundry basket, a work folder, birthday gifts, and even a suitcase. Then I discovered the tricks to solve his anxiety, and the behavior completely stopped.
Changes in Routine Can Trigger Destructive Behavior
If your house is experiencing new changes or stress, then your dog may turn that into a need to chew on your favorite pair of shoes.
Changes that can result in stress for your dog include:
- Getting ready to move with boxes and packing
- A new house with new smells and noises
- A new family member (human, baby, or furry)
- Schedule changes with walks or meals at a different time
- Loud noises from construction in your home or the neighborhood
- Seasonal changes like holiday decorations
- Visitors like your sister with her puppy
Medical Problems Can Cause Sudden Destructive Behavior
Sometimes a medical issue can be exhibited in destructive behaviors.
Perhaps your dog, who is potty trained and has never had an accident, is leaving puddles and piles in the house.
Your dog might be telling you they’re in pain with that change in behavior.
Cognitive decline in older and senior dogs can be the underlying cause of destroying inappropriate items like tipping over your houseplants and pooping in the dirt.
If your dog suddenly is doing something destructive that is out of character, call your vet so you can get ahead of any possible medical problem.
How to Figure Out Which Cause Applies to Your Dog
There are a few ways to find out why your dog is destroying your home. They all involve you asking yourself questions and discovering the real answer.
| If your dog destroys… | It might be… |
|---|---|
| Only when you’re gone | Separation anxiety |
| Only in the evenings | Too much energy |
| Everything they can reach | Puppy exploration |
| Furniture after rainy days | Boredom |
| Suddenly out of nowhere | Medical issue |
| After a big life change | Stress |
Most Destructive Dog Behavior Has a Reason
Now that you have a better idea of why your dog is being destructive, the next step is choosing the right solution. That might mean:
- More exercise to burn off excess energy
- More mental stimulation activities to challenge your dog’s mind
- Training to teach clear boundaries
- Anxiety support to help your dog feel more secure
- Veterinary care to rule out or treat medical issues
The important thing is that the best solution depends on why your dog is destroying things in the first place.
Choosing the wrong approach can waste time and money and leave both you and your dog frustrated. That’s why identifying the root cause always comes first.
If you’re wondering which solutions work best for each type of destructive behavior, you’ll find them in How to Stop Destructive Dog Behavior: Which Solutions Actually Work?
A Dog Destroying A House Is Saying Something
When your dog is showing destructive behavior, it’s your buddy’s way of saying things like:
- I’m bored
- I have too much energy
- I’m anxious
- I haven’t been taught a better way
- I’m a puppy and don’t know better
- I don’t like the changes in my world
- I’m in pain and don’t know what to do
Once you figure out why your dog is being destructive, you can find the right solution for your pup and you.
For my dog, Henry, that meant addressing his anxiety issues.
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