Recently destructive two year old rescue

[matkeson]

Dixie is our second boxer and we rescued her at 18 mos. last Nov. She came with a number of issues, but after much work settled into family life with 5 kids well. We boarded her at a nice kennel when we went on vacation and since that time, every time I leave the house she destroys something. Today it was my ipod :( I'm sure it's separation anxiety and I'm tempted to use the crate, but I know that won't really solve the separation problem. I know about leaving for short periods and coming back, getting ready and not really leaving, etc. Does anyone have any other tips? She's a love and I hate getting angry when she tears up our stuff. Periodically we take her in the car and I often run with her, so I think that in addition to the anxiety, she also gets angry about not being able to go. I want to be able to take her when she can go, and leave her without worrying about what will be destroyed when we get back. Help!

 

[SILLY6PAK]

You kind of answered your own question. It takes time but I think sice it was brought on from kenneling that you should be able to nip it in the bud with the behavior modification techniques you discribed.

 

[alaskanboxer]

both of mine have SA

It most definitely sounds like separation anxiety. My 14 mth old male went through periods of destroying our stuff. Some tips I read out of 'The Power of Positive Dog Training': give them 10-15 minutes of hard play 15 minutes before you leave plus as much exercise as possible throughout the day; be calm when you come and go; and don't crate them unless you know they won't panic. I hope this helps. Remember to view the crate as a positive thing, not as a punishment...I had to crate my male for awhile when I leave, but consistently doing the above suggestions plus the companionship of the new rescue helped him a lot.