[Phoebe’sMom]

Since Covid started neither of my two dogs have been left alone at all since I have three roommates and usually one of us is home at all times of the day. Lately since everything is opening back up around us, we have started making group ventures out of the house leaving the dogs behind. Each time we all have left for an hour or two something gets chewed up/destroyed and all signs points to the puppy. Phoebe is about nine months old now and has never been a destructive dog but loves to chew on bones. Whenever we leave we always leave bones, they have the toy box as well, and insure the house is dog friendly. Thankfully so far it’s been nothing expensive and nothing harmful for her, just a cardboard box, papers, and a wooden coaster on our table. Our older dogs have always been allowed to free roam through our house while we are away or if the weather is really nice, out in our fenced in backyard, so I have never had this issue before. I’m not quite sure if this was caused due to quarantine or if this was a behavioral problem before that just was never seen since she was in a crate as a young puppy when we were gone. If it all possible I would like not to put the crate back up as my other dog does not stay in one during the day and we barely survived the nights of crate training as it was. I thought I’d ask around on this lovely platform for some ideas. I’d also like to point out the fact that she doesn’t act stressed out when I leave or a few of us leave it’s only when we are all gone. We would all be thankful for any advice you can offer!

 

[PeggyTheParti]

I still use a pen/crate combo, so that won't help you. But I can tell you this: My spoo Peggy didn't get destructive until that age. I thought I'd hit the jackpot! So don't assume it's separation anxiety. A secondary chewing phase is very common, and it sounds like she might be getting more freedom than she can handle.

If you don't want to go back to crating (and if it was a negative experience, you probably shouldn't unless you've got the patience to start from the beginning) you need to do some hardcore puppy-proofing. She can't be allowed to make any mistakes.

This is for the sake of your stuff and sanity, but also for her safety.

 

[PeggyTheParti]

P.S. She may require puppy-proofing for 2 more years, so think long-term as you're figuring out a game plan. Things like keeping all garbage cans in cabinets, investing in some new storage so magazines aren't left out on the coffee table, etc. It's worth it to prevent her from rehearsing this behaviour.

 

[Rose n Poos]

PTP has good points, If puppy proofing a whole living area is not manageable, we used an ex-pen then moved on to baby gates to corral our two boys to the kitchen and family room when we left them when they were still under a year old.

You might also consider an inexpensive camera to see who's doing what. I have this one and I can see them and talk to them as well as hear them

Wyze Cam Pan

Take it for a spin.

wyze.com

You can find them at their own webiste (linked), Amazon, Micro Center, Home Depot, Chewy and probably more places. When my husb and I go out, we call it dinner and a movie .

 

[Phoebe’sMom]

I still use a pen/crate combo, so that won't help you. But I can tell you this: My spoo Peggy didn't get destructive until that age. I thought I'd hit the jackpot! So don't assume it's separation anxiety. A secondary chewing phase is very common, and it sounds like she might be getting more freedom than she can handle.

If you don't want to go back to crating (and if it was a negative experience, you probably shouldn't unless you've got the patience to start from the beginning) you need to do some hardcore puppy-proofing. She can't be allowed to make any mistakes.

This is for the sake of your stuff and sanity, but also for her safety.

Definitely was hoping we hit the jackpot with the destruction phase but I had not thought this could be just the age, fingers crossed! We have always crate trained our dogs, my older dog had no issues but Phoebe hated her crate with a passion no matter how many methods I used. I am going to hardcore puppy proof our living room and try using a gate of some sorts to reduce the freedom she has when we are gone.

PTP has good points, If puppy proofing a whole living area is not manageable, we used an ex-pen then moved on to baby gates to corral our two boys to the kitchen and family room when we left them when they were still under a year old.

You might also consider an inexpensive camera to see who's doing what. I have this one and I can see them and talk to them as well as hear them

Wyze Cam Pan

Take it for a spin.

wyze.com

You can find them at their own webiste (linked), Amazon, Micro Center, Home Depot, Chewy and probably more places. When my husb and I go out, we call it dinner and a movie .

A camera sounds like a fun option to try out!