Destuctive behavior

[thejeromins]

My wife and I have had our dog "Rachel" for almost 3 years. She was a rescue puppy we adopted at the age of approximately 12 weeks old. She is healthy in most respects except for the fact that she has colitis. From day one, we have not been able to kennel her. If we do, she either howls incessantly or, in trying to escape, hurts herself. About one year ago she began tearing up the linoleum floor and a throw rug in our basement. In other "episodes" she has tried to scratch through sheet-rock walls and doors in a effort to gain access to our garage. Once she got into the garage and then chewed on the garage doors in a effort to get outside. We have since installed invisible fencing to give her more exercise when we are home but, occasionally, she still tries to "escape" from the house. I would like to point out that she has access to our entire home during the day and that the "destruction" has been limited to the basement door area when we leave the house. We've been told it is everything from boredom to separation anxiety. Any ideas ??

[boxerpudge]

Have you talked with your vet regarding this? Has the dog been to obedience classes? Maybe talking with your vet and getting a recommendation for an animal behaviourist would help her and you to solve this problem. My parent's dog Moose was a stray that they took in and he literally destroyed our basement (he chewed through our well's power source and the basement flooded.) Anyway, my mom had an animal behaviourist come out and within 2 sessions, Moose stopped the destruction and became the nicest, sweetest dog. Check a behaviourist out.

[thejeromins]

I have talked to our Vet. She also reccommended a behaviorist. I guess we'll give it a try. If Moose can do it, so can Rachel. As far as obedience training, we've been to beginner, advanced and a "dog tricks" class. She did very well and really seemed to enjoy going each week. Thanks a lot for your input. I'll post again so you will know how we made out.

[boxerpudge]

Please do let me know. We didn't think Moose would ever learn not to destroy the house but he did. He's a flat coated retriever. Good luck!