[jmello23]

Hi I have a Bull Mastiff almost 2 years old and about a month ago I got him neutured. He now desrtoys the house every time I leave. I do not want to get rid of him but what do I do. He gets into the trash, chew on couch cushions,shoe,and pretty much anything in his way. It's almost like he rewinded back to a puppy stage. He is too big to be kenneld plus I don't like that idea. He is about 5'7 when he is on his hinde legs and 120 lbs. please help me figure out why and what to do to make him the way he was before.. I am desperate. He is part of my family and the protector of my home and children I'd hate to see him go.. Please help..

[mydogquestion]

Have you considered gating him in an area that has nothing to grt into such as the kitchen or laundry room. And perhaps a toy such as a kong to keep him busy. (although my dog has no interest in kongs no matter what treat is inside)

[Luv_a_bull098]

Crates work great! Its not a cruel punishment. If introduced correctly, your dog will love his crate! And there are crates big enough for the 100 lb dogs. They're pretty expensive. Try shopping craig's list for a cheaper one.

If you can't find a crate, then confine him in a mud room. I wouldn't suggest a kitchen if you can help it because he might start pottying in your house as well.

It sounds to me that your dog has developed separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can pop up when the dog feels that you abandoned him. I kind of think separation anxiety is present in the dogs mind but doesn't show up until something, such as taking him to a vet for an 8 hr stay, happens. You might want to consult an animal behaviorist about further solutions. Every dog is different. Please stay away from the chain trainers such as petco and petsmart. They really don't know how to deal with behavioral issues.

I do have one solution you could try doing. You will have to practice this every day just like you would with obedience class. Leave him. Get up, grab your keys, purse and what not and head out the door. You can even turn on your car! Then immediately come right back in. Then do it again. What you will be teaching him is that you will always come back. He's gotten it in his head that your leaving him and won't be coming back and him destroying your house is him protesting against it. In other words he's throwing a tantrum that you left him home alone.

[shazamataz]

I'm a big fan of baby gates.

Mine were terrors before I got the gate installed, I used to come home to coffee mugs strewn across the living room and the rug torn up now I keep them confined to the kitchen where they can't destroy anything and they are little angels.

My gate only cost $50 from Target and was easy to set up.

It's strange that it happened after he was neutered, maybe he had a bad experience at the vets or was just generally stressed out by the whole experience, you could try separation anxiety training with him, just let me know if you would like info in SA training.