The dog is tearing up the wallpaper. What to do?

Destructive dog behavior is a common problem. Some pets are partial to shoes and boots, others to furniture and wallpaper. It is necessary to start the fight against addictions by finding the answer to the question – why does the dog do this?

Causes of destructive behavior:

• Stress. Most often, the dog tears up the wallpaper in the absence of the owner. Therefore, one of the causes of stress can be boredom, melancholy and loneliness;

• Life changes. Moving, the appearance of a child in the house – any changes in the pet’s lifestyle can also lead to stress and negatively affect the behavior of the pet;

• Nutrient deficiency. Another reason why a dog may tear wallpaper is an unbalanced diet. For example, a dog may try to compensate for a lack of calcium by eating plaster;

• Hyperactivity. The reason why a puppy most often tears up wallpaper is its activity. The accumulated energy that he could not throw out on a walk, the pet will definitely throw out, destroying the apartment.

It is important to understand that not a single dog spoils wallpaper and other interior items simply out of harm, this is not a manifestation of a bad character. The reason lies in her lifestyle or state of health.

It is necessary to solve the problem of torn wallpaper in a comprehensive manner, having gained patience and strength.

1. Walk your pet more often It is very important to tire your pet during a walk: play more with him, practice fetching and other skills, and run. Before leaving for work, you can feed the dog tightly. A tired and full pet is unlikely to have the strength to destroy the apartment.

2. Check your health A visit to the veterinarian will help make sure that the health of the dog is in perfect order. After consulting with your doctor, you can try adding calcium to your pet’s diet.

3. Don’t Forget About Entertainment If the pet has become interested in wallpaper out of boredom, entertainment will come to the rescue. Provide your dog with a variety of toys during your absence. It is advisable to pick up toys of different types so that the dog does not get tired of the monotony.

4. Scold gently Negative reinforcement is not the best parenting option. But, if the dog begins to gnaw on the wallpaper right in front of your eyes, you can scold him and show him a toy that you can gnaw. In no case do not shout or hit the dog – this is pointless and ineffective.

5. Use tricks In pet supply stores today there are a huge number of repellent odor products that are applied to furniture and walls in the apartment. But you should not be independent and use red pepper or citrus fruits as such means. So you only provide the dog with a burn of the mucous membranes.

If all of the listed behavior correction options do not work, there is only one thing left – limiting the movement of the dog. But, since the animal cannot be locked in the toilet or bathroom, and in all other rooms there is most often wallpaper, dog handlers recommend using a home cage or aviary.

Is the cage a prison or a private space?

Many owners may be outraged that a cage is a prison for a dog. And they might be right, but only partly. How the pet will perceive the cage depends entirely on the owner.

Why a cage is good:

• Dog’s own space. This is a lair, a house for rest and peace in the view of the animal;

• Child protection. The dog can easily climb into the cage – a place inaccessible to children, which will help her get rid of increased children’s attention;

• Protection of furniture and apartment. A cage is one of the most effective ways to protect an apartment from destructive pet behavior.

The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing a cage is its size. It shouldn’t be too tight. The ideal cage is one in which the pet can stand up, walk around and lie down. Do not be afraid to buy a cage that is too large, the most important thing is that it is not small.

How to accustom to a cage?

In order for the enclosure to be perceived as its own territory, and not a punishment, it should be accustomed to it gradually. Feed the dog in the cage, provide him with toys and put a bed inside. It is categorically impossible to immediately close the animal in a cage, especially to use it as a punishment. The task of the owner is to show that this is a safe territory for the pet.

December 26 2017

Updated: October 5, 2018