Punishment or normal behaviour?

[Jessika]

Dogs don't do things to "punish" us; they do these things because they are bored, as previously stated. Do you exercise her? Frisbee, ball, swimming, etc, are fantastic ways to interact with her while tiring her out at the same time. Visit a local park or dog park! A tired dog is a good dog.

If she is chewing things she isn't supposed to outside, maybe you should get a kennel or something to confine her from areas you don't want her to be?

[wolf_Q]

She's a puppy still....she's bored, bored dog = destructive dog. She's not doing it to punish you she's doing it because she's bored and lonely. I would get a dog run or something for her to stay in while you're gone so she doesn't destroy something that could harm her as well. Try getting a kong toy and filling it with peanut butter/treats and freezing it and giving that to her before you leave for work. But when you are home she should be allowed to come in the house whenever she wants, she's a family member, she shouldn't have to stay outside and be isolated from the family. The more time you interact with her the less bored/destructive she will be. Cattle dogs are herding dogs, herding dogs need jobs to do they are highly intelligent and bred for work. Try frisbee, agility, etc. something with her that will keep her busy and entertained.

[Freedom]

Dogs don't do things to "punish" us; they do these things because they are bored, as previously stated. Do you exercise her? Frisbee, ball, swimming, etc, are fantastic ways to interact with her while tiring her out at the same time. Visit a local park or dog park! A tired dog is a good dog.

If she is chewing things she isn't supposed to outside, maybe you should get a kennel or something to confine her from areas you don't want her to be?

I would not suggest a kennel for this dog. The dog is already isolated, cutting down on its territory is going to back fire big time, and create even more issues. This is why I suggested fencing off the "bad" stuff instead.