I have had my dog ever since he was a puppy, happy lovely dog. Now he is 6, and his attitude has changed. He gets more aggressive over the smallest things. He has to sleep in a dog crate when I go to work after he destroyed my kitchen, ripping of the wallpaper and plaster. I decide to open up the cupboard under the stairs, so I could make a room, which was his. I put his crate in their and his food and water bowl. Everything started OK, and then he got worst. He knows when its time to go to work even though I try and change my hours, he'll run away and growl and try to bite me. I got told it was anxiety, so I have been trying to distant myself, to show him I am top dog. This has not worked and I’m at the end of my tether.

Can anyone help me please?

1st I would start with a trip to the vet for a health check up. If he is not neutered I would make an appointment for that. After those to things were done I would take him to an obedience class if I did not think I could handle it myself. Maybe your vet could recommend a trainer or a doggy school that has classes. Remember they will show you what to do, but you must be the one to train him to respect you.Here is a link that you can take a look at you may find it helpful.Alpha Dog, Pack Leader, Dog Growling, Dog Bitting, Dog Snapping, Snappy Dog (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdog.htm)

Maybe he doesn't like being in a dark cubbord under the stairs. Have you tried just leaving his crate near a window out in the open so he can be ocupied and watch things outside while he's in the crate. My dogs love their crates and we worked very hard for that to happen. They weren't crate trained as puppies, but because they were destroying our stuff while we were gone, we had no other alternative. At first we would leave the crate out and open while we were home, we would leave treats hidden in the blanket that was in the crate. After a few days we noticed both of them going into their crates while we were home and sleeping in there. It's their own little space and they never go in eachothers.

Try showing your dog that his crate is a positive thing. Also... keep him out of the closet.

Hope this helped! Let me know any updates!

A dog should not be cooped up in A CUPBOARD. HE SHOULD BE IN A LARGE WALLED GARDEN. You are destroying this dogs life. Its no wonder he is grumpy. A dog neds space, and walks, and hugs, and discipline. If you do not have a garden consider finding him a good home.