4 1/2 yr old boxer chewing things

Question
QUESTION: Help please, Our 4 1/2 year old male boxer has just started chewing on almost everything. It was only during the time we were at work. Now he's even doing it at night when we're asleep. Mostly it's been paper but now he's starting on rugs, blankets and carpeting. How do we break him of this? He has all kind of chew toys and balls.

ANSWER: It's separation anxiety.

They get nervous being alone away from you, think you are not coming back and get pent up energy.

They chew and destroy to release the pent up energy due to anxiety.

You will need to crate him or put him in a puppy-proof-child-proof room.

To get him used to you being away-- start off leaving for 3-5 minutes (can stand outside where he cannot see you) and come back in and give him a treat and praise him. Do this every day as often as possible, increasing the time by a few minutes each time.

Once he has learned you are coming back and he will get praise and treats, he will settle down.

This is important.

Shut the door to bathrooms and other bedrooms and puppy-proof everything. He has to learn you are not leaving him and will return.

Praise and treats are associated with good and security for him.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: AS I stated, he is 4 1/2 yrs. He just started this behavior, we've had him since he was 4 months. We broke him of it before but now he's doing it again all of a sudden. Everything else is still the same, as it has been for the last 4 years of his life.

Answer
Something has changed. Work hours, a move, new family, new people, something-- a dog that age doesn't change all of a sudden---

There is something that has made him nervous and anxious. See a vet and talk to him about the possibilities and medication.