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GOOD DOG
QUESTIONSReal life with dogs. Better answers for owners.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

Keep the dog.
Save the sofa.

Written and edited by Elise Nam, founder of Good Dog Questions.

Sources checked: . About our review dates

Author information updated: .

General information only, not a substitute for advice from a veterinarian. No veterinary review has been conducted. Contact your vet about your dog’s health; seek urgent veterinary care in an emergency.

Destruction is information, not spite. Work out what your dog is telling you, make the home safer and teach a better option with calm, reward-based steps.

START WITH THE PATTERN

Why is your dog destroying things?

Chewing, scratching and scavenging can have different causes. A puppy exploring with their mouth needs a different plan from an adult dog who panics as soon as the front door closes. Start with the overview, then choose the guide that matches what you see.

It happens while you are therePuppy chewing, access to tempting objects, attention-seeking or unmet activity needs may be involved.
It starts around departuresWatch for pacing, panting, vocalising, escape attempts or refusing food. Separation distress needs a gentle, specialised plan.
It began suddenlyPain, illness, sensory loss or cognitive change should be ruled out by a veterinarian—especially in an older dog.
NEW · ANXIETY GUIDE

Dog anxiety: types, signs, causes and treatment options

Understand dog anxiety patterns, body language, treatment options and research statistics, with real behaviour photographs and four breed examples.

Read the guide ↗ 01 · THE COMPLETE PLAN

Why is my dog destroying the house?

A cause-by-cause checklist and practical prevention plan for Australian homes.

Start here ↗ 02 · HOME ALONE

Boredom or separation anxiety?

Use timing, body language and a camera recording to tell the patterns apart.

Read the guide ↗ 03 · PUPPIES

Stop puppy chewing

Protect furniture, walls and skirting boards while teaching safe chew choices.

Read the guide ↗ 04 · PREVENTION

Dog-proof the house

A room-by-room safety sweep before leaving your dog alone.

Use the checklist ↗ 05 · SAFE SPACES

Crate, playpen or safe room?

Choose confinement by the dog in front of you—not by a one-size-fits-all rule.

Compare the options ↗ 06 · ENRICHMENT

10 ways to keep a dog occupied

Safe food, scent and activity ideas for a workday, with choking precautions.

See all 10 ideas ↗ 07 · ESCAPE DAMAGE

Door frames, doors and carpet

Why destruction near exits can point to frustration, fear or separation distress.

Read the guide ↗ 08 · SCAVENGING

Bin raiding and food stealing

Management and training that work better than chasing or scolding.

Read the guide ↗ 09 · SENIOR DOGS

Sudden destruction in an older dog

Health, pain, sensory and cognitive causes to discuss with your vet.

Read the guide ↗
Our approach: set dogs up to succeed, reward the behaviour you want and avoid fear, pain or intimidation. If your dog is injuring themselves, panicking when alone or has changed suddenly, contact your veterinarian rather than relying on an online guide.

The series draws on current RSPCA Australia, RSPCA Queensland, Australian Veterinary Association and veterinary behaviour guidance.