Some dogs are “angels” and very obedient when they are with their owner, but that “angel” might turn into “Rambo” when you are gone. Dogs respond in different ways to separation from their owners, be it excessive barking (not a good thing if you live in a condo or apartment building), some sleep, and some go on a rampage and destroy things they normally would not even touch in the presence of the owner.

Let’s start with the “Rambos” to keep your posessions intact.

The reason for a destructive behavior is mostly boredom. Sure, the dog has his toys, but it is so much more fun to play fetch with the owner than rolling around his own ball. The frisbie does not fly by itself either, and chew bones are a temporary fix, nothing too exciting. Placing the dog for hours in a crate is not a permanent solution either, who wants to be locked up for hours, or even a day?

You need to keep your dog BUSY. Get him some interactive toys, even in combination with food. Since food is such a valued resource for dogs, the toy-food combination is perfect and very rewarding for him.

“Kong” toys are available at most pet supply stores and are offered in a great variety. You can for example take away his feeding bowl and stuff his breakfast, lunch or dinner in a few of these toys. Add a little peanut butter to some, and put a few treats in others. You can prepare several in advance and just stick them in the freezer. When you are ready to go, take them out and place them around the house, or in places where your dog is allowed to stay. Be careful not to overfeed the animal, and use only the amount of kibbles he would normally get for his meal, stuffing them into the toys.

These interactive toys keeps dogs busy, he has to work to get the food out. Another solution is hollow sterilized bones, they can also be stuffed. To make it easier, add some peanut butter to the kibbles, it will stick better to the bone and the dog has to work harder. Think time consuming!

Some more interactive toys such as Busy Buddies, Buster Cubes, etc. are all big helpers distracting your animal so it will most likely not go on a boredom-rampage. Chewing on a rope or chew bone is something, but swatting and playing with an interactive toy with a reward of food or treat is entirely different. It’s much more fun and mentally engaging!

Check out the website The Kongo Company for ideas and toys!