Older dog acting out after being home for 4 months

[flamingemu]

Our 11 year old Australian Shepherd has recently started doing everything in his power to get to the garbage. The can is under the sink and he has destroyed our cabinet getting it open. Then 3 different types of baby locks trying to get to it. Then we moved the garbage can into the bathroom during the day while we are at work and he destroyed our door and molding trying to get to it. He is not a crate trained dog and I think it is cruel to do that to him now (which is what my husband wants). 

I moved him to the basement (it is finished, furnished, and has all the toys and regular comforts - just not access to my kitchen) and put up a baby gate. He had broken 2 baby gates trying to get over or through them. 

Since I know someone will ask, we have a new baby. He is great with her. We did everything we could to prepare him for the baby. He still gets his normal walks and play time every day. He is great around her. I was home for 4 months with her and him. His bad behavior did not start until I went back to work a month ago. 

So what say you pets? Would one of those tricky treat things work? He has done hundreds of dollars in damage over the past few weeks and I am at my wits end. Am I missing something completely? TIA.

[dexteroni]

He sounds bored and lonely. I would try doggy day care once or twice a week to tire him out and give him social interaction. Or even a dog walker to break up his day might help.

ETA: And a tricky treat ball can't hurt! If he doesn't like it at first, give it time - we got Quincy one a couple weeks ago and he was kind of "huh?" about it at first, but now he goes looking for it.

ETA2: Have you talked to the vet? If not, it might be worth mentioning due to his age.  Does he have food and water in the basement?

[flamingemu]

He has food, water, toys, his bed. He is all set. I will call the vet today. Thanks for the suggestion.

[dexteroni]

Another thing I thought of - it might be worth trying an anxiety treatment, either via a med or a natural remedy. But the vet can best advise you about that.

[notamrs2]

In addition to the good advice about checking with your vet, etc., I'll add this: If you can afford it and have the room, a trash compactor was the best thing I ever got for my kitchen. My oldest guy has been a dumpster diver his whole life and the compactor is impenetrable. You can get freestanding ones if you don't want to deal with a built-in. New ones are pricey, but sometimes you can luck out on Craigslist.