All dog owners have been there from time to time when a shoe or sock has been destroyed by their dog. We are then literally left picking up the pieces. Why are dogs destructive? What can I do when I have a destructive dog? Are Pomeranains Destructive?
In this article I provide the answers to all of those questions. Let’s get started.
Pomeranians have a reputation for being cuddly little lap dogs but, just like any dog, they can become destructive. A Pomeranians destructive behavior can come from a place of fear, boredom, or pain and injury. Once you have identified the root cause, you will be able to work towards correcting the behavior.
Types Of Destructive Dog Behaviors
There are many different destructive behaviors that your dog can do.
It’s can be very frustrating as a pet owner when you are experiencing the results of your dogs destruction. Chewed shoes, toys, and books for example.
If your dog is still a puppy you should expect normal puppy behaviors that include a lot of chewing and not listening. Your young dog just needs training and time to learn what is acceptable behavior.
As your Pomeranian gets older, the chances that your dog will develop behavior problems increases. It may be from you getting too lenient (I’m guilty of this), or your dog has become more persistent in getting its own way.
Let’s take a look at the most common destructive behaviors.
Chewing
Dog’s have a natural instinct to chew things but, it becomes a problem when they are chewing your things or your home. It’s important for your dog to learn what’s appropriate to chew and what isn’t.
Chewing helps keep your dogs jaw strong and teeth clean.
Dogs enjoy chewing on things for fun, stimulation, and as an outlet for anxiety and fear.
Our Pomeranians are big chewers and they have done some damage. Murphy my cream Pomeranian once chewed through the wire for an electric recliner. Luckily it was not plugged in at the time and that my husband was able to Mcguyver it back into operation. My little black Pomeranian Willow is a collector. She will collect things around the house and you will find her stash back in her bed.
Barking
Barking is also a very natural behavior for dogs but, a dog that barks excessively is very annoying and disruptive. Especially if you live close to other people.
Barking isn’t physically destructive like your dog chewing your chair wires but, it’s a sign that additional destructive or problem behaviors are possible.
Your dog may bark excessively for many reasons including boredom, loneliness, and hearing noises. It’s always best to get down to the root cause of your dog’s barking. If your dog barks for any reason that may lead to additional problems, correcting the behavior is the best solution.
Do Pomeranians Bark At Night (16 Reasons Why And Solutions)
Food Protection
Food protection may also not seem like a traditional destructive behavior but, like barking when your dog shows signs of “possession aggression” it can lead to other destructive behaviors.
Some of the signs of “possessive aggression” are growling, showing teeth, snapping, biting, or fighting with other animals or people.
The most common situations where your dog may exhibit this behavior are when they are eating, playing with toys, or in their beds.
Eliminating In The House
Dogs can start to eliminate in the house due to anxiety, submissive behaviors, training issues, and health issues.
Why Is My Pomeranian Destructive
The first step to correcting destructive dog behaviors is realizing you have a problem and getting to the root cause of what’s causing the behaviors.
Let’s look the the top reasons dogs express destructive behaviors.
Dogs are never destructive out of revenge or spite.
Are Destructive Dogs Bored
Boredom is the number one cause of negative behaviors especially destruction and chewing. Studies have shown that bored dogs are more likely to become depressed and anxious.
Many dogs will naturally try to find ways to relieve that lack of attention and frustration that boredom can bring. The frustration of being bored quickly leads to a dog finding something to chew.
Dogs are very social pack animals being the descendants of wolves, after all, they enjoy socializing and playing with other animals and humans.
Is Your Pomeranian Suffering From Separation Anxiety
Pomeranians are known for suffering from separation anxiety. Signs that your dog could be prone to separation anxiety are them following you from room to room, reacting when you show signs of getting ready to leave the home, and being extremely excited almost to a frantic level when you return home.
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will bark, pace, destroy furniture, clothing, shoes, woodwork, and eliminate where they shouldn’t. Remember, these behaviors are never out of spite or revenge. All of these behaviors are based on anxiety.
My dogs Murphy and WIllow show all the signs of separation anxiety, they follow me everywhere, start jumping around when they can tell we are leaving, stare at the door when I’m gone, and greet me like maniacs. It’s currently not an issue because I am home most of the time or there is someone home. We often bring them with us when we go out. Fortunately, there aren’t many times when they are left alone. If that wasn’t the case we would need to consider having them go to doggy daycare.
Does Your Pomeranian Want More Attention
Pomeranians are “velcro dogs”, they will follow you every where and want to be right by your side.
Your dog may be wanting more attention than you are giving them. Dogs are very smart they will learn what they can do to get attention from you, even if it means grabbing or chewing on something they shouldn’t.
I’m guilty of rewarding destructive behaviors with my dogs. My dog Murphy has learned that if he grabs things like the TV remote or kids shoes that I will bribe him with the treat so he will drop it. Yes, I know this is really bad and I’ve just taught my dog to fetch inappropriate things for a treat.
I’m being honest with you, we all have done things that we know are not right because of some reason or another. My reasons were being busy and not wanting the dogs to destroy the item. I’m working on correcting this behavior which is actually more work on training myself than my fluffy buddy Murphy.
Is Your Puppy Teething
Young pups are extremely curious, to begin with. When you combine that curiosity with the discomforts of teething we have a recipe for destruction. Chewing on things helps relieve some of the pain.
Very similar to humans, puppies go through a stage where they need to lose their puppy teeth in order for the adult teeth to grow. This stage usually ends when your puppy reaches 6 to 12 months old.
Is Your Pomeranian Scared
Dogs can be scared for many reasons, one common reason is being afraid of loud noises like thunder or fireworks.
Some dogs have a tendency to destroy things when they are fearful.
Many dogs that have had a history of abuse or being abandoned will have some level of anxiety. Being aware of your dogs’ fears and anxiety is the first step that ables you to help your dog and remove the destructive behaviors.
When dogs are scared they are often at risk for injury. There have been many dogs that try to break through glass windows or doors.
We had a Golden Retriever growing up that was terrified of thunder. His whole body would shake, once while we were away he chewed the entire bottom portion of the woodwork around a door, in an effort to get into another room.
Is Your Dog Injured Or Sick
If your dog isn’t feeling well it may cause it to act out with destructive behaviors like snapping, growling, biting, and chewing things.
If you aren’t feeling well it’s natural to act out and be a little grumpy (I know I am). Try to figure out why your dogs’ behavior has changed and seek veterinary care if needed.
If your pup’s destructive behavior stems from a health issue the behavior should go away once your dog is feeling like itself again.
Is Your Dog Hungry
Hungry dogs are know to be destructive, especially if they are on a diet to lose weight.
How To Stop Your Pomeranains Destructive Behavior
Destructive behaviors can be prompted by a variety of reasons as noted above. It’s best to do a careful analysis of your dogs’ history and environment (including your own behaviors) to identify the root cause of the destructive behavior.
Once you’ve determined why your dog is doing these less desirable things you can establish a plan to correct the behaviors.
For my example with my dog Murphy, I need to stop giving him treats in order to get him to drop the item he has snagged. I also need to be firm with him and tell him to “drop it”.
Spend More Time With Your Dog
Spending time with your dog helps build the bond and relationship that you have.
When you spend time together you also get to know your dog much better and will be able to see the signs and triggers for negative behaviors.
Life is busy and it may not be possible to spend any more time with your dog than you already are, if that’s the case make the time you spend together count play with your dog and show it plenty of love and affection.
Consider having a close family member or friend spend some time with your dog if you will be away for an extended amount of time. Also, bring your dog to doggy daycare if it suits your lifestyle and schedule.
How To Help WIth Your Dogs Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can be difficult for you and your dog to experiance. Hope is not lost.
There are many ways you can help your dog with separation anxiety. Some of them are.
- Bringing your dog to a family members home or doggy daycare while you are at work
- Have a camera in your home that you can use to communicate with your dog while you are away
- Crate train your dog
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s anxiety and discuss possible medications if necessary
- Seek out a professional dog trainer to work with you and your dog one on one
- Leave the music, tv, or an audiobook on while you are away
- Stop at home during your breaks at work to visit your dog if possible
- Have plenty of toys for your dog
- Before you leave the home bring your dog for a walk
- Don’t make a big deal when you leave (don’t smother kiss and hug your dog before you leave)
- Stay calm and assertive (your dog looks to you as the pack leader)
- Start small (try not to leave your dog for an extended amount of time at first)
- Give your dog calming treats
How Do I Help My Dog When It Is Scared
None of us like to see our dogs scared or anxious but, there are some things that we can do to help reduce their anxiety.
It’s tough, when your dog is scared it’s our natural reaction to help soothe their fears. Be careful to not tell your dog that they are a “good boy” or “good girl” when they are afraid. Saying those words reinforces the behavior. It’s better to tell your dog that “it’s ok”, your dog will learn to associate that term with a stressful or scary situation.
- Add pheromone diffusers to your home
- Crate train your dog
- Speak to your vet about your dogs’ anxiety
- Consult a professional dog trainer
- Consider using a thunder shirt
- Plan ahead (if you are aware of triggers like thunderstorms or fireworks, be one step ahead and prepare for these situations)
- Don’t force your dog to face their fears
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
Exercise is a very important part of your dogs life.
If your dog has plently of exercise physically and mentally they are less likely to be destructive.
Pomeranians don’t have a huge exercise requirement as a Siberian Husky would. A Pomeranian would love a walk and a run around the backyard a couple of times a day.
Having two Pomeranians and a fenced-in yard for them to run around in make exercise very easy. My dogs enjoy chasing each other around the yard and playing with toys. The occasional walk around the neighborhood gives them additional mental and physical exercise. They are also big fans of toys and puzzles.
Dog Proof Your Home
It can be hard to completely dogproof your home while you are living it (like having Murphys favorite Tv remotes and kids shoes around).
Try to put away as many things that your dog may be interested in destroying. Valuables, books, clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, and more.
Give Your Dog Lots Of Chew Toys
The number one destructive behavior that I have witnessed over many years of sharing my home with a dog is chewing.
The more chew toys you can give your dog the better. I like to rotate the chew toys in order to keep my dogs interested. I’ll always keep their favorites around. Murphy’s favorites are a stuffed hedgehog and a pink dog.
Provide Your Dog Relief From Teething
To help your dog with the pain and discomfort associated with teething you can give them dog toys that are made specifically for the freezer.
The cool toys can help numb the teething pain.
Work On Your Dogs Training
Training is a very important part of your realationship with your dog and it’s behaviors.
You may be at the very beginning and starting with basic commands or you have moved onto advanced skills. Either way, it’s important to continuously practice your dogs’ training.
Working with your dog can help prevent behavior problems and correct ones that already exisit.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Pomeranians can be destructive but, it doesn’t need to stay like that.
Identifing the cause of your dogs destrctive behavior is the first step to living a destruction free life with your furry friend.
When in doubt consult your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for a personalized plan for you and your dog.
Have patience and don’t punish your dog for its destructiveness. Be firm and calm, your dog hasn’t acted out of spite, vengeance, or anger.
