Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 12/16/2006

Question
We have a Border Terrier Dog, he is over year old and we also have two adult Boxer Bitches who  are both 9 years old.  They get taken out regular all 3 and gets lots of TLC and attention.

Archie is the Border and he is adorable, THERE MAY BE A TENDENCY TO SPOIL HIM A LITTLE MORE THAN THE GIRLS BECAUSE HE IS SMALLER AND MORE AGILE.

The problem is that when we leave him, go to work, go to the shops, pop somewhere and come back  he has either destroyed  the dogs bed, chewed something he has managed to get down from the side, purse, underwear, tea towels, anything he can reach he will attack.  I just popped to the post box the other day 6-7 mins come back and he had a flip flop  in his grasp about to attack it in that short period.

Can you please suggest anything anything at all, there have been occasions when we have taken Archie with us on visits to friends or  to the shops and  left the girls mainly to  give them a break from him and on occasions to avoid coming back to him attacking the dogs bed (he must have demolished at least 8 covers and my mother has repaired  them time after time.

Your suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Dear Viv,
Thanks for the question. Archie sounds like a turbo terrier! Destructive behavior directed at objects in the home is a sign that this guy needs less freedom, more structure and more mental and physical stimulation. Crates are a great way to prevent this type of behavior.

My Australian turbo Terrier, Bentley, wasn't allowed free access to areas of the house (when we were gone) until he was 2 1/2.

This guy is self-stimulating because his environment is not providing the level of stimulation that he needs. He's like a kid who is bored in class. Under-stimulated kids get into trouble trying to entertain and self-stimulate!

Place him on a schedule of regular walks, training sessions and play time.

When you do leave him, you'll need to give him a terrific job that is more fun than tearing up the house. Get a Kong, place a bit of duct tape over the small opening; fill it with very small treats and some dog food. Add water and a bit of chicken broth, place it upright in your freezer and let it freeze.

Place him in a crate, remove the tape, and give him the Kong-siscle. Soon he'll look forward to your absence.

He'll grow out of some of this behavior, but in the meantime, you must stimulate him and provide him with a regular program of mental and physical stimulation.

Happy Training!
AT

http://www.howsbentley.com