I dont know what happened to my sweet dog

[sugar2008]

about a month ago my border collie started to tear apart anything that she could find when I left the house. at first I thought that it was ny son not putting his toys away then I thought about it and I think that she is going into my sons room and taking his toys out and chewing them up. then I started having my son put everything of his away and putting a few of her toys out so that she can chew them up and for a little while it worked. but now that we have our christmas decerations out anything that falls on the floor or is left on the floor is fare game and I am getting sick of comming home and finding all of these things tworn apart for no reason other than to make me mad. I dont know what to do about it I cant crate her because she was abused so badly by a puppy mill that she will have leg spasims or worse a sezior (SP). I am just at my wits end with this dog if she does not stop I dont know what I will do. does anyone have any suggestions that can help me out?

Lisa

[special]

Hello and welcome to petlovers! It sounds to me like your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and/or boredom.

How long is she alone every day?

One possiblity would be to engage a pet sitter to come in each day about halfway through the day to walk her and play with her for half an hour or so.

You might also try a comfort zone plug in:

http://www.petcomfortzone.com/

the feliway for cats works wonders, so I'm inclined to think the dogs version may be just as good.

Another option is rescue remedy:

http://www.rescueremedy.com/pets/

one other thing to consider when a pet begins a new behavior is a health related problem. Watch her carefully for any signs of illness, and bring her to the vet if you have any doubts about her health.

[mhils59]

I have come across some of the same issues and can only recommend that, you take your dog out for walks. This usually curtails behavior issues. Exercise is so important for them so they can smell and release some stress. Hope this helps.

[Macawpower58]

Most behavior changes.........you can attribute to yourself. I'm not suggesting you've done anything wrong, but something in your life, or your bond with your dog is different.

It could be plain boredom, anxiety (like mentioned above), or natural age related behavior.

You've not mentioned the age of your dog, nor how long you've had her. A pup growing up has a spell of several years where they are like naughty teens, pushing to see what the limits are. An older dog just adopted will go through similar changes.

A little more description on your dogs life/habits will help us help you.

Exercise is invaluable. It solves so many problems, and creates/strengthens your bond with your dog.

[nanamouse]

Border Collies get bored pretty easily, I think they're sometimes too smart. Ours was a senior dog when we got her, but she still had a high energy level and had to be kept busy or she'd chew everything up. The dog we have now is only half, and is 60 pounds of pure energy.
Was she used to playing with your son a lot during summer vacation? If crating isn't an option when you're gone, maybe close off your bedrooms and don't leave much around that she can chew? Lots of extra play and attention when you are home might be enough to keep her happy when you're gone....

[sugar2008]

My dog is about 6 years old and she is normally well behavied. my son is three so he plays with her all the time. It might be boardom because when her friend sleeps all the time she finds things to do. in the past she used to play with her self. I want to thank you for all of the advice you have given me so far I will defenatly try something to see what I can do about this.

Lisa