Behavior problems

Question
I have a 2 1/2 year old lab/ beagle mix named Jordie.

Jordie is very smart and obedient but ocassionally has behavior issues.  When I leave jordie home, she gets into EVERYTHING but really loves the trash.  Almost every time, I remember to put the trash in another room, or take it out but she will still find other things to get into: piles of paper, bags with things in them: anything she can find.  She spreads it all over the house.  She does not do this when I am home.

I have somewhat associated this with two things:
leaving and not taking her with me, and lack of exercise.  Trying to be proactive I have taken Jordie on long walks every night.  Last night after a long walk I took a 10 minute trip to the drugstore only to find Jordie had gotten the trash bag I put way up on the counter off the counter and it was spread all over the house.

I scolded her and put her in a kennel.  I didn't want to put her in the kennel, but was at a loss with how to show her that this is a no-no.  This has gone on many times.

Jordie is in a kennel all day when I am at work because of these issues.  With her high energy and body type I hate to do this but feel I have no choice.  She hates the kennel and will often chew up blankets in there or bang around so much that she dents the walls.

Please help me, I am at my wits end.

Answer
Hi, thanks for writing to me and forgive the delay. I was out of town.

First off, Jordie's crate should be a place of relaxation, a safe haven and a pleasurable place to go to. This should have been her "den". It should NEVER be used as a punishment. Once you do this it takes on a negative meaning and will no longer be a positive experience. So.... using a crate for Jordie is pretty much ruined now (which by the way, she is trying to tell you each time she misbehaves inside of it!)

You are right that lack of exercise and separation anxiety are both probably at the root of the problems. Jordie being the mix that she is needs several walks a day. One in the morning and at least one at night. Ideally someone needs to come home at lunch and let her out to romp for 10-15 minutes too. Both labs and beagles are high energy breeds and prone to destructiveness when they are bored or frustrated so finding things for her to do while you are gone are tantamount to her comfort level when you are gone.

Start off by buying her a KONG, a BUSTERCUBE, and a sterile, hollow white bone. Learn how to stuff them, per the instructions or get creative (cheese whiz, peanut butter etc) These should be given to her ONLY when you leave her so she associates your leaving with something positive. Rotate giving her a different one each day. They will keep her occupied for quite some time and when you get get good at packing them well, will occupy her for hours as she tries to get the treats out.

She should be confined to one room which has been for the time being COMPLETELY stripped of anything she can get into. If she finds something to tear up or eat it is YOU who didn't do your job. Jordie is acting out her frustrations in the only way she knows how. Redirecting her is the only solution. Try leaving a radio on or the TV also so she has the companionship of voices.

Let me know how these things work!
Have4Paws