Layla's sudden destructiveness related to my current situation??

[Layla's Mom]

Layla will turn two this Friday. I have had her since 8 weeks old and she has been crate-free for approx 8 months now. Never once has she been destructive in our house--not even as a pup(I know, we were very lucky). My father took sick very suddenly the last two weeks and I have been extremely upset and since I have been running to the hospital every nite after work, my DH(who usually travels for a living, but stayed home once my dad took ill) is taking care of Layla at night.

In the last two weeks, Layla has eaten 3 throw pillows, one comforter, one blanket and two slippers. This from a dog who NEVER EVER did this before.

Do you think she is doing this because she senses my anxiety or the change in her caregiver roles or is she just bored with her same old kongs, treatballs, bones, toys, etc that we leave her?

One more ???---since I am not sure if this is regression since she never did this, how do I go about helping her? Do I go back to crating basics?? I plan on pulling out my Dog Listener tonight and re-reading for some advice.

Thanks for any feedback

 

[EMWAZ]

It could be related to your anxiety and it could be she just relapsed. Boxers don't grow up until about 3 years. You could start crating her again, just to keep her out of trouble, etc., and gradually give her time out of the crate when your gone for short periods. You could also talk to your vet or a behaviorist and get their opinion.

 

[Jade010103]

My Jade acted the same way when I went back to work after being home all the time with her for 3 months. Before returning to work she was an angel NEVER wrecking anything and about a week into going back to work she realized that this was a new routine and she didn't like it so she started chewing on household items, after time she got use to the new routine and went back to being her wonderful self. Layla is probably just a little stressed with you being gone more often than normal.

I hope your father is doing ok!

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

I'd say because of your situation you have lost leadership in the dog's eyes. Go back to "The Dog Listener" and especially the bonding section and start over again. It won't take long and in a few days, she'll see you as leader again and begin behaving as before.

 

[Shanz]

question.. what is DH? i see it everywhere..i assume h is husband?

 

[Cami]

Is your hubby providing just as much playtime with her as you would do in the evenings? Seems like she is bored since this is totally out of character for her.

Just a thought.

 

[zzzina]

Dh?

question.. what is DH? i see it everywhere..i assume h is husband?

Darling Husband