Lets talk about your dog chewing your shoes, your socks, your clothes… and yeah… even your underwear.
It’s the BIGGEST compliment they can give you!
Those items smell the MOST like you. When they miss you, they’re going to chew those items to try to be close to you, to feel your energy and to smell you.
Humans get upset, mad, frustrated, and annoyed.
The shoes may have cost a couple hundred bucks…but the dogs heart? That’s priceless. You can buy new shoes. You can’t undo the hurt you cause a dog when you get upset at them for showing LOVE and LOYALTY the way they know how to do it best.
Thinking they should know better is the problem. They don’t know humans ways of life, they know dogs way of life. You might think you have taught them this is unacceptable,, but when they are missing you, all they want is to be as close to you as possible because it comforts them.
When you find the mess, if you are angry, they are heartbroken. They think it’s a compliment that they took your item, they truly do!
Is any pair of shoes or clothing or furniture really worth breaking your dogs heart? I don’t think so. I hope you don’t either.
Instead of being angry, hug them. I know it’s hard when youre frustrated or angry, but show them love when they need it most. That’s how you stop the behavior. By showing them you ARE there for them and showing them you DO love them. If you push them away more, with anger or frustration, they will have more anxiety and miss you even more. They will want your closeness even more because they know you are upset.
What’s the solution? Keep stuff put away. They’re like kids. Don’t leave anything out or accessible that you do not want them to get into. And most important, always meet their mistakes with love, patience, kindness, and understanding.
If you want to know more about how your pets are feeling when they are away from you and any support they may need please set up a private session.
1-207-849-0096 (text)
Angie@AngieMorin.com