If your dog is hyper when he his left alone, this can spell trouble for you and even your neighbors.  Victoria Voight, an animal behaviorist at Western University explains why some dogs bark, chew and damage things while their owners are out.  She says that most of the time that the dogs are destructive while their owners are away is because they have separation anxiety.  The destructive behavior is a way that the dog could get attention and access to the owner. To prevent this kind of behavior, Voight suggests to slowly acclimate your dog to being alone.  Make sure that you exercise your dog regularly and provide enough toys make him get through the day. If this does not work, I would suggest that you call an animal behaviorist or ask your vet about medication. This would be a last resort.  Before going this route, try working with your dog. Leave him alone for very short periods and give him a treat when you get home. See what happens but don’t lock him is his dog carrier or crate as punishment. That is about the worst thing that you could do!

Remember, your pets count!

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