Destructive Dog?

He chews on furniture, steals your socks, and goes after your shoes? Here’s how to help your destructive dog!

You come home after a long day, and it’s chaos: shredded cushions, missing slippers, torn socks, chewed mouldings… Your dog has been up to no good again. Before losing patience or assuming your loyal companion is “bad” or “jealous,” it’s important to understand the real causes behind destructive behaviour.

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, we know that a destructive dog is not a bad dog—it’s usually a bored, anxious, or under-stimulated dog trying to express discomfort or meet a natural need, especially in your absence.

Here’s a complete overview of the causes, consequences, and practical solutions to restore peace… and save your furniture!

Destructive dog | Pitou Minou & Compagnons

Rob | Mont-Laurier Location

Why does my dog destroy everything when I’m gone?

Destructive dog | Pitou Minou & Compagnons

1. Boredom: the number one enemy

A dog left alone for hours without stimulation eventually gets bored. And a bored dog finds its own entertainment. Unfortunately, chewing on the couch or ripping apart dirty socks may be the only options available.

Boredom can lead to:

  • Targeted destructive behaviour (chewing furniture, digging up plants)
  • Vocalizations (barking, whining)
  • Hyper-alertness or restlessness when you return

2. Lack of physical activity

A dog that doesn’t burn energy daily builds up physical and mental tension. This pent-up energy needs an outlet: running through the house, jumping on furniture… or tearing up your cushions.

Certain breeds have very high exercise needs (border collie, husky, labrador, terrier) and can’t be satisfied with a quick 10-minute walk.

3. The natural need to chew

Mâcher n’est pas un vice: c’est un besoin instinctif et vital, surtout chez les chiots, mais aussi chez les adultes.

Why?

  • To relieve teething (puppies)
  • To manage stress or boredom
  • To maintain dental health
  • For simple sensory enjoyment

If no appropriate chew toy is available, your dog will turn to shoes, cords, or furniture.

4. Separation anxiety

Some dogs experience significant stress when alone. They associate your departure with a loss of stability or a sense of loneliness.

Common behaviours:

  • Destroying items with your scent
  • Howling, trembling, excessive drooling
  • Digging or scratching at doors

What NOT to do

Before diving into solutions, here’s what to avoid:

  • Punishing after the fact: your dog won’t connect the destruction with your anger hours later. This may only increase their stress.
  • Isolating without explanation: locking a dog in a room without stimulation doesn’t address the root cause.
  • Removing everything without alternatives: this only creates frustration without a solution.

Practical solutions to put in place

1. Meet physical needs: move, run, expend energy!

A tired dog is a calm dog. Plan at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily, depending on breed and age:

  • Brisk walks or jogs
  • Ball or frisbee games
  • Visits to the dog park
  • Weekend hikes

Pitou Minou & Compagnons offers a range of walking accessories, harnesses, and sport leashes adapted to every breed to optimize your outings.

2. Provide appropriate chew toys

Plutôt que de lutter contre le besoin de mâcher, orientez-le vers des objets sécuritaires et satisfaisants:

Rather than fighting the need to chew, redirect it to safe and satisfying objects:

  • Durable rubber toys (KONG, West Paw)
  • Antlers, horns, coffee wood sticks
  • Dental chews (age- and size-appropriate)
  • Natural dried bones, tendons, or pig ears

Some toys can be filled with pâté, kibble, or frozen to extend interest.

3. Stimulate your dog’s mind: mental enrichment

An intelligent dog needs to solve problems, manipulate objects, and seek rewards.

Our recommendations:

  • Snuffle mats: hide kibble to stimulate their sense of smell
  • Interactive food dispensers
  • Dog puzzle toys (various difficulty levels)
  • Trick training or agility classes (combine movement and focus)

4. Create a safe, stimulating space

Designing a restricted and engaging area keeps your dog safe and reduces risk.

  • Use a gate or indoor pen
  • Provide a comfy bed, a chew toy, and an item with your scent
  • Ensure access to forbidden objects is blocked

With positive associations, your dog will see this space as a comforting den—not punishment.

5. Manage separation better

Teach your dog that your departures aren’t a crisis:

  • Practise very short departures, then gradually increase duration
  • Ignore them for 15 minutes before leaving and after returning to reduce emotional peaks
  • Use calming diffusers (e.g., Adaptil), relaxing music, or surprise toys while you’re away.

Some dogs benefit from natural calming products (herbs, pet-safe CBD, supplements). Our experts can guide you toward the best gentle solutions.

Destructive dog | Pitou Minou & Compagnons

Jackie | Brossard Location

Destructive dog | Pitou Minou & Compagnons

Alex | St-Augustin Location

And if nothing changes?

Call a professional

If destructive behaviour persists despite your efforts, it may help to consult:

  • A certified dog trainer for behavioural assessment
  • A veterinarian if a health issue or chronic stress is suspected

Our in-store advisors can recommend trusted professionals in your area.

Solutions for your lifestyle

Work long hours?

  • Hire a dog walker or ask someone to visit midday
  • Use interactive cameras to monitor and engage remotely
  • Set a stable routine with morning activities and evening relaxation

Live in an apartment?

  • Focus on calm indoor games
  • Use bouncing fetch toys with control
  • Designate a chewing area away from fragile furniture

Have a puppy?

Learning takes time!

  • Offer a variety of chew items
  • Supervise, praise, redirect: patience and consistency are key

What you’ll find at Pitou Minou & Compagnons

We’ve gathered everything you need to understand, manage, and transform destructive dog behaviour:

1. Durable and interactive toys

  • KONG, Tuffy, Busy Buddy, and other trusted brands
  • Treat dispensers, snuffle mats, puzzles
  • Products tested and adapted to weight, jaw strength, and age

2. Natural chewing solutions

  • Bones, wood, horns, tendons
  • Long-lasting dental treats
  • Digestible and safe products

3. Calming products

  • Pheromone diffusers, calming treats, herbal remedies
  • Comforting mats, weighted blankets, soothing sound toys

4. Behaviour expertise

  • Our advisors are trained in canine behaviour
  • We listen closely, assess your situation, and help create a clear action plan.
  • We recommend the right products—and professionals, if needed.
Destructive dog | Pitou Minou & Compagnons
Cats and dogs watching us | PITOU MINOU & COMPAGNONS

Conclusion: A destructive dog isn’t a problem… it’s a message

Chewing, tearing, gnawing—these are signs of unmet needs, inner tension, or simple boredom. Instead of seeing it as a nuisance, you can transform that energy into healthy, positive behaviour—if you provide the right tools, routines, and understanding.

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, we’re here to help. Whether you have an adventurous pup, a wild teen, or an anxious adult, our in-store experts will help you understand the causes of destructive behaviour and find the right solutions for your situation.

Come see us—together, we’ll make every homecoming a joyful moment, damage-free… and full of cuddles.