Why do dogs destroy the house? The real reason behind the behavior
Dogs destroy the house (destructive chewing) is usually driven by anxiety, boredom, excess energy or exploration instinct. According to the American Society of Veterinary Behavior (AVSAB):
✅ 50% of destructive behaviors are related to separation anxiety
✅ 30% are due to lack of exercise/mental stimulation
✅ 20% are puppies in the teething period or habitual chewing

Common targets of house destruction:

Sofas, shoes, wires (anxiety/boredom)

Door frames, corners (separation anxiety)

Trash cans, paper towels (exploratory behavior)

🚨 Separation anxiety: How to relieve dog loneliness?
Symptom identification (intervention is required if 3 of the following are met):

Continuous barking/whining after the owner leaves home

Excessive licking of paws or self-harm

Scratching at doors/windows to try to escape

Urinating and defecating anywhere (even if the dog has learned to stay in a designated area)

Relief methods (gradual training)
Desensitization training (Departure Cues)

Pick up the keys/put on the coat but don’t leave, so that the dog gets used to these actions and does not mean separation.

Gradually extend the time away from home (from 30 seconds → 5 minutes → 30 minutes).

Create a safe space

Use a fence or airline box (not a punishment) and cover it with old clothes with the owner’s scent.

Play white noise (such as TV background sound) to cover up the outside noise.

Anti-anxiety supplements (short-term aid)

Zylkène (milk protein extract)

Adaptil (spray that simulates mother dog pheromones)

🧸 Anti-demolition toys recommended: let the dog consume its own energy
Best chew-resistant toys (suitable for medium and large dogs)

Food sniffing sound toys link: (https://thepawscube.com/products/food-sniffing-sound-toy-puppy-pet-toy)

Educational toys link: (https://thepawscube.com/products/pawscube-pet-educational-food-storage-smelling-toys)
⚠️ Avoid toys:

Fragile plastic toys (risk of accidental ingestion)

Small balls with bells (puppies may swallow)

🐕 Positive training techniques: Reduce house-demolition behavior from the root
1. Consume excess energy (daily must)
Small dogs: 30 minutes of walking + 10 minutes of sniffing game

Medium and large dogs: 1 hour of running/catching Frisbees + 20 minutes of educational toys

2. Redirect Training
When the dog chews the furniture, immediately hand over a chewing toy and reward the correct behavior.

Use a bitter spray (such as Bitter Apple) to spray on the edges of wires/furniture.

3. Establish a "fixed-point chewing" rule
Designate a "legal house-destroying area" (such as an old towel, a dedicated chewing pad) to encourage the dog to only destroy these items.

4. Avoid punishment (increases anxiety)
❌ Do not beat or scold or confine the dog (will increase separation anxiety)
✅ Calmly interrupt wrong behavior and guide the dog to the right choice

📅 7-day training plan example
Days Training focus Goal
Day 1-2 Desensitization training (leave home for a short time) Let the dog adapt to being alone for 10 minutes
Day 3-4 Introduce leaky toys + increase exercise Reduce interest in furniture
Day 5-7 Consolidate the habit of "fixed-point chewing" The dog actively chooses toys instead of furniture
🚑 When do you need professional help?
If the dog has the following conditions, it is recommended to consult a veterinary behaviorist:

Self-harm (biting the skin, excessive licking)

Long-term barking affects neighbors

No improvement after 4 weeks of training

Conclusion: Patience + scientific method = success!
The behavior of destroying the house is not a dog's "revenge", but a signal that the needs are not met. Through exercise + psychological stimulation + positive guidance, most dogs can improve within 2-4 weeks. Save this article now and start training!