Why Dogs Destroy Things When Left Alone, and How to Stop It
Updated: 12 hours ago
You come home to a chewed sofa cushion, a shredded bin bag or scratch marks on the back door. It's upsetting, and it's tempting to think your dog did it to get back at you. They didn't. Dogs destroy things when they're left alone because something about being alone isn't working for them, and once you know what it is, you can help.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Dogs destroy things when left alone mainly because of boredom, too much energy, stress about being alone, or because they're still young and chewing is part of growing up. Some dogs are reacting to noises outside or trying to get out. Make sure your dog's needs are met before you leave, give them safe things to chew, build up time alone slowly, and don't tell them off afterwards. If your dog is panicking when alone, get help, as this is separation-related distress.
Why do dogs destroy things when left alone?
1. Boredom
A dog with nothing to do will find something. Cushions, shoes and skirting boards are all very entertaining if there's nothing better on offer.
2. Too much energy
A dog who hasn't had enough exercise, sniffing or brain work before being left is more likely to make their own fun.
3. Stress about being alone
Some dogs find being left very hard. Chewing at doors, door frames and windows, especially near the exits, often points to a dog trying to get to you. You may also see barking, howling, pacing, drooling or toileting.
4. Teething and adolescence
Puppies chew to ease sore gums, and adolescent dogs often go through a big chewing phase. Young dogs need plenty of chewing outlets.
5. Noises and things outside
A dog who reacts to the postman, other dogs or passing cars may take their frustration out on whatever is nearby, often the curtains or the window sill.
6. Hunger or something smelly
Bins, food cupboards and lunch bags are hard to resist. Sometimes destruction is simply a dog following their nose.
Is it boredom or separation distress?
It's more likely boredom if
Your dog chews toys, cushions or anything left lying around
The damage is spread around the house
Your dog seems relaxed when you leave and when you come back
It's more likely distress if
The damage is at doors, windows or crate doors
There's also barking, howling, drooling, pacing or accidents
Your dog gets worried as you get ready to leave
They're frantic when you get home
A camera is really helpful here. Watching what your dog does in the first half hour after you leave tells you a lot.
How to stop your dog destroying things when left alone
1. Meet their needs first
A good sniffy walk, a bit of play or training, and a toilet break before you go. A calm, tired dog is far more likely to settle.
2. Give them something better to do
Leave long-lasting chews, a stuffed food toy or a lick mat. Rotate them so they stay interesting.
3. Dog-proof the space
Put shoes, remote controls and bins away. A smaller, safe space like a puppy-proofed room can help, as long as your dog is happy there.
4. Build up time alone slowly
Start with very short absences that your dog copes with easily, and build up gradually. Keep your comings and goings calm and low key.
5. Block the view
If your dog reacts to things outside, use frosted window film or close the curtains in the room they're in, and leave some calm background noise on.
6. Don't tell them off afterwards
Your dog won't link a telling-off to something they did hours ago. It will only make them more worried about you coming home, which can make things worse.
RENEE'S TIP
Give your dog their stuffed food toy only when you leave, and pick it up when you come back. It becomes something they look forward to, rather than a sign that you're going.
QUICK CHECK
ā Meet exercise and sniffing needs before you go
ā Leave safe chews and food toys
ā Dog-proof the space
ā Build up time alone slowly
ā Damage at doors and windows? Think distress, not boredom
ā Don't tell them off afterwards
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
If your dog struggles to be alone
If your dog is panicking, damaging doors and windows, or can't be left even for short periods, it's worth getting help to understand what's going on and build a plan that works for your home. I can help in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation, from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Why do dogs destroy things when left alone?
Mainly boredom, too much energy, stress about being alone, teething or adolescence, or reacting to noises outside.
How do I stop my dog destroying things when I'm out?
Meet their needs before you leave, give them safe chews and food toys, dog-proof the space, and build up time alone gradually.
Is my dog destroying things out of spite?
No. Dogs don't destroy things to get back at you. It's usually boredom, stress or a need that isn't being met.
How do I know if it's separation anxiety?
Damage at doors and windows, plus barking, howling, drooling, pacing or accidents, all point to distress. A camera can help you see what's happening.
Should I punish my dog for destroying things?
No. Your dog won't connect a telling-off with something done hours ago, and it can make them more worried about being left.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Pawsitive range and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
