Dogs, like people, are social animals. In the wild, dogs live in packs - hunting, eating and sleeping together. For a dog living as a companion animal, the family is his pack and he expects to be with his pack.

Fall can be a difficult transition for the family dog. After having the children home to play with all summer, your best friend may be lonely and bored - especially if mom and dad are off at work all day. A sudden change in routine can cause an otherwise happy, well-behaved dog to display undesirable, even destructive behaviors.

If your family pet is home alone all day and has recently started chewing on furniture, scratching at walls, barking excessively, or messing in the house, a mild form of separation anxiety may be the cause.

Exercise is key
Exercise is one of the most important elements in solving the problem, because a well-exercised dog is more likely to sleep than chew up the sofa. Professional dog trainer Nancy Dryden, of the Best Friends Pet Resort in Gaithersburg, Maryland explains: "The family pet is probably getting less physical activity, mental stimulation and one-on-one attention than he's been accustomed to over the summer. Unfortunately, boredom can cause him to get into trouble when he's home alone."

Dryden recommends pumping up your dog's exercise routine to at least 30 minutes a day. "Leaving him outside in the yard all day is NOT exercise. He needs an active round of fetch, a long walk, or roughhousing with canine friends at the dog park. If possible, exercise him in the morning, so he's tired and ready for a nap when you walk out the door."

If your children take the bus, why not bring the dog along when you walk them to the bus stop, suggests Stefanie Roberts, trainer at Best Friends Marietta, Georgia resort. "He'll see where they're going, and he'll get his morning exercise."

Try training
Regular training work with your dog can also help. "Even a few minutes a couple of times a day can be effective," says Marietta trainer Roberts. "Dogs like to have a job. It doesn't have to be obedience practice. You can work on a trick, like lifting a paw. Whatever you do, be sure to reward him either with affection or with a treat."

If you and your dog are new to training, a group class in Basic Manners can get you started. You'll learn proper techniques for correcting and reinforcing behaviors, adds Enright. "If your dog already knows the basics, an advanced training course can help you keep him challenged."

Another good alternative to lonely days at home is doggy day camp, where dogs play together in a safe, supervised environment. "You only need to send your dog to camp once or twice a week," notes Dryden. "Most dogs come home tired and happy from all the exercise and play and the benefits last for several days."

Other tactics
Distraction tactics can also help with some pets, notes Kelly Enright, Best Friends Chestnut Ridge, New York trainer. Leaving your dog with a cube or a kong filled with peanut butter, cheese or another favorite treat can keep him busy for hours. Some dogs are reassured by the sound of the radio or television, especially if they are accustomed to hearing them when you are at home.

If destructive behavior is still a problem, try crating your dog when you're away from home, suggests Enright. "If your dog is crate-trained already, this is an easy solution. However, if she is not accustomed to the crate, you need to introduce it slowly. Start by crating her for short sessions when you're at home, then gradually increase the period of time she spends in the crate." However, trainers say, crating should only be used for a few hours at a time, followed by a period of exercise and play. No pet should be confined in a crate all day without relief.

If, despite all these solutions, your dog continues to demonstrate destructive behaviors, a trip to the vet may be in order to determine whether there is an underlying health issue. If your pet is in extreme distress, the vet can also prescribe medication that will help reduce the dog's anxiety.

For more information about dog training and problem behaviors, seek the advice of a professional trainer. To find a dog trainer near you, call 1-800-FOR-PETS or visit the our centers section of the website.