Cocker spaniel anxious chewing.

Question
QUESTION: We have the most perfect male golden cocker 18 mths old (Alfie). The only problem is he chews the door frames when left alone for any amount of time. The only frames he chews are the one that will get him to an exit from the house. He is well exercised especially if we are going to leave him he understands sit, wait, paw, down etc. We have tried sprays etc but no luck. We do wish we had caged him from a puppy but thought it was a little harsh on him. We have tried it now but he will not entertain going in a cage at all!! Any help would be much appreciated.

ANSWER: Where does Alfie sleep?  What does he do if you confine him when you're at home?  Has he always done this or is it a new behavior?

How much exercise does he get?

Just fill me in a bit more and I do have some suggestions.
Delores

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

QUESTION: We live in a bungalow and his bed is in the hall, with access to the kitchen where his food and water are kept. All other doors are closed when we go out.  

If he is confined when we are at home he has no problems at all. He sleeps happily at night on his bed separated from us. The behavior started when he was around six months old. He gets lots of regular exercise at least twice if not more a day. He is excellent off the lead and socializes well with all dogs. As we work shifts the exercise is not at routine times of the day.

He has loads of toys and chews which he loves to play with but when we leave him alone they are untouched (just the door frames). We also tried a Kong toy with peanut butter and also a DAP plug-in which did not seem to make any difference.

ANSWER: Have you tried confining him to the kitchen when you leave?  Or to the "hall with access to kitchen"?  Would this prevent access to "exit" doors (which is the door you left by - ergo, the chewing).

Please bear with all the questions but I do need to know specifics.

How long is it after you leave that he starts up?  And by "chewing the door frames" - how bad is it?

I must say,I'm even at this point convinced this isn't anxiety but just a teensy bit spoiled and ticked off cocker. :)  But I want to be sure.  And I do have a few tricks to surprise & correct rowdy little boys :)
Delores

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

QUESTION: Yes I do tend to agree he is a little spoilt and an attention seeking cocker.

We have tried separating him in each room. If left in the Kitchen we will arrive home to find the contents of the cupboards on the floor and items like carrier bags ripped to a million bits!! Luckily though he does not chew the kitchen cupboards.
  
When left in the hall he will chew the skirting next to the main exit of the house and also the door frames of both bedrooms which have exits to the garden.
It has been known for us to leave for ten minutes and come back to a disaster area.

Sometimes it can be very bad with wood bits everywhere and othertimes just small amounts of damage. To be honest I can see no rhyme or reason to the madness!
He can be easily spooked and is very weary of strange noises etc. But we live in a quiet street and I don't think this is a factor.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Okay, it seems pretty clear this is a temper tantrum.  You have a few options here.

1.  Put slide locks on the bottom kitchen cupboards.
2.  Use a soft muzzle (more on that)
3.  Train

I have the feeling #1 will just result in him finding another way to do damage but it might be worth a try.

A soft muzzle allows him to pant & drink but unable to chew up anything.  It's key to get the correct muzzle and I can tell you how to get him to accept it.

Training, of course, is the best solution in the long run and this involves an "unpleasant consequence".

What you'd have to do is go out - wait and listen for him to start - then quickly open the door and BOOM!  The consequence!

You'd get an empty pop can - fill with 15 pennies and tape the top shut.  When you hear him begin you open the door, say NO and bring the can down HARD once.  Shut door and wait.

The idea is not to "shake" the can but raise in air and bring it down very hard (like you're throwing a ball to the ground..but don't let go)and make one loud & thundering noise.

No chat - no scolding - just the consequence.  

Pick a time to do this when you're able to set him up every few hours.
The message has to be:  You do THAT...and THIS happens !

When you "wait and listen" and he has stopped - then come in but ignore him for a bit.
Delores