 Pets may exhibit destructive behaviors for a number of reasons, one of which is an attempt to get your attention. Your pet may have learned that behaving destructively gets your attention, even your negative attention. Your pet may not care that you're yelling and screaming because he's chewed up your shoes, he may just care that you're excited and it's all aimed at him. Unfortunately, we often pay more attention to our pets when they're being bad than we do when they're just sitting quietly and behaving well. Some pets, particularly if they're not getting enough positive interaction from us, learn that they're rewarded with your attention for their destructive behavior.
If this describes your pet, you need to undo the pattern that you've helped to create. As hard as it may sound, simply ignore your dog when he exhibits his destructive behavior. Don't give him any attention, don't look at him or make eye contact, and don't move toward or touch him. If this is too difficult, simply go into another room. When he's behaving well again, be sure to give him lots of praise. If you do this enough, your dog will soon give up his destructive behavior. |
