Destructive Dog

Question
I have a cocker charlie who is 15 months old. Just recently he has become destructive when left alone, he only seems to want to chew on wood door frames etc. He doesn't chew carpet, slippers or anything else. When we leave him he is left with water, toys, chews etc and the radio is left on. His main diet is Bakers complete 3 times a day. He is never left for more than 4 hours a day on only 4 days a week.
I would be most gratefull of any input received

Kind regards

Mitch Tayles

Answer
With most destructive dogs, they are that way from the beginning, even slowing down by 15 months.  Something has changed.  A good vet check explaining the problem is always the first step.  Could be a female came in season upwind.  Could be he is maturing and is no longer satisified to stay home while the big dogs go out hunting.  

You could try the Bitter Apple spray available at most pet stores.  If that doesn't work, it only leaves the crate.  He may be a little old to adjust to one.  Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away.  The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  They are harder for
dogs to open too.    Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select
a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate.  Praise it for going
in.  If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate.  This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.