Dog issues. Alternatives to crating?

[EmilieMadison]

Bathroom. Remove everything (toilet paper, towels, soap, etc) and put a baby latch on the toilet seat.
Also, consider consulting a behaviourlist about separation anxiety and how to work through it. Fear, anxiety and boredom are the most likely reasons that a dog will do pretty much everything you described. Sounds like your dog has anxiety and there are definitely things that can be done with a trainer who specializes in behaviour therapy for dogs with separation anxiety. 

[EmilieMadison]

You should also look into getting someone to come into the house to take him for a walk at least once a day. It sounds like maybe he needs more exercise as well for that energy.

[Deleted]

Does leaving on tv/music help? My sister had to video their life in huge chunks over several weekends, smashed them together on a DVD, and plays it like a movie every day for her one blind dog. The sound of the dryer, talking, humans walking, etc. helps him, even if they aren't home.

ETA:  I'm also a big fan of meds.

[EmilieMadison]

May 26, 2015 15:41:48 GMT -5 loonylunalovegood said:

May 26, 2015 15:37:29 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

Bathroom. Remove everything (toilet paper, towels, soap, etc) and put a baby latch on the toilet seat.
Also, consider consulting a behaviourlist about separation anxiety and how to work through it. Fear, anxiety and boredom are the most likely reasons that a dog will do pretty much everything you described. Sounds like your dog has anxiety and there are definitely things that can be done with a trainer who specializes in behaviour therapy for dogs with separation anxiety. 

Ive worked with a behaviorist for him before. The last time I checked the closest reputable one was about 3 hours away. She came over when I lived about an hour away from here, 2 hours from her, but would only do it once. I need to see if anyone good has moved into the area.

I'm sure there are resources out there that will work for you. If the last person only did one session, it doesn't seem likely that you nor your dog could have gotten much out of it. Does your vet know of any trainers near you? What about boarding facilities that have onsite trainers? 

[shopgirl07]

What about sending him to doggie daycare?

[dizzydee]

May 26, 2015 15:47:15 GMT -5 @bonster214 said:

Do you have a support poll in your basement (assuming you have a basement)? We are having a similar problem with Coco busting out of her crate. We are experimenting with her being on a tie-out that's hooked around a support poll. We tried it over the weekend a few times and she did very well. We also take her to daycare on Wednesdays to break up the week. If/when I get this new job we'll be able to afford to take her 2 or 3 times a week so I'm hoping it helps her.

We tried Rescue Rememedy and some calming treats before but I didn't notice it helping her. Good luck!

Don't do this. Your dog could choke or hang himself. Tie outs are only good if they are supervised. Never leave a dog alone tied to something.

Is there construction or something going on that May have triggered him? I agree with TV or music and contacting the behavior list, it'd definitely seatch for them over a trainer.

[puppyluv]

We have a dog that likes to destroy things when alone. What worked for us was putting her in the bedroom during the day with the TV or radio on. It is where she sleeps at night so I think she does better in there because of that. We have to close the closet and bathroom doors and put away anything that can be chewed on. (We have lost a few remotes in the past when we forget to hide them.) We also have to have door knobs cause she knows how to open doors with handles.

[4speedy]

These are some articles I like.  They were written by the breeder we got one of our dogs from.  They talk mainly about weimaraners but you can generalize the info for your situation.

justweimaraners.com/dealing-with-separation-anxiety/
justweimaraners.com/alone-training-your-weimaraner/
bushwaller.com
ETA:  I just realized that these articles were written by three different people but they all appeared in a newsletter edited by our breeder.  I do, however, personally know all three authors and can vouch for their expertise.

[winnied]

We just recently went through all this, including the ripping through his crate - don't lose hope! We hired a behaviorist who came over once, observed our dog, and gave us tips that are WORKING. That God almighty, it's working!

1. Desensitize the triggers for your departure(s) - randomly pick up keys and drop them off, take your coat on and off, take your shoes on and off, pick up your purse and walk around the house, etc. The idea is that the dog stops associating keys, locking doors, etc. with your departure.

2. Food puzzles - you want your dog to be so jazzed for food that he doesn't give two shits if you walk out the door. This was hard for us because our dog has always been a grazer, never been a big eater, etc. We reduced food just enough so he'd want to eat when we put it out. We then put it in 3-4 food puzzles around the apartment and scattered a few treats to distract him. By the time he's done eating, he doesn't care we're gone anymore. 

3. Video camera - we bought one and installed it in our living room to help us observe his precise reaction when we leave. Is he barking out of panic? Wanting attention? That helps you address the problem. 

4. Don't give in to attention demands - our dog is a cuddle monster and H is his greatest enabler. If our dog pawed at H or looked at him a certain way, H would give him lots of cuddles. Our dog became accustomed to demanding when he got cuddles. When we left, he was demanding them, and obviously he didn't get them. 

A few months out, we are now at a point where if he barks, it's only for attention and for a short period of time. No destructive behaviors. 

We did a lot of other things in addition to what I listed, but I threw this together at work. PM me if you want more details.

[orangeblossom]

We had similar issues with our dog. We finally had to put him on meds. That's helped some, though I still can still see a puddle of slobber at the door when I get home.

He's at least not whining and scratching the door anymore.

I bought the book "I'll Be Home Soon" for tips on SA.

The Thundershirt helped some, but then I messed up by portend it on too close to when I left, and if became a negative association with him.

DAP plug-ins and sprays helped a little.

Right now, we just leave him out, and most times everything is intact when we get home.

Good luck!