Destructive Akita

Question
I have an 8 month old male Akita. I walk him everyday for at least 20 minutes, sometimes twice a day. He has an indoor run 10X5 with a doggy door to a fenced in yard. He is in the house when the family is home at night but sleeps in the pen until he stops destroying things. My question is he is destructive. Not a chewer but he likes to tear things. He tore my hot tub cover, my gazebo screen, rugs, carpets. He just seems to like to tear things. I take him to obedience training, work with him everyday. How do I prevent him from tearing things? I think he needs more stimulation other then just petting and rough housing with him. What types of games can I play with him? I was intrigued by the last Akita answer regarding hanging balls and tug ropes at different heights in the yard. what other suggestions can I get to stimulate his mind?
Thanks

Answer

Hi Dave,

The only ways to stop destructive behavior is by supervision and prevention, meaning removal of anything you don't want destroyed. I wish I could tell you something more, but that's really it.

You're definitely doing the right things by walking your dog, and doing the obedience training, try to shoot for 2 good walks every day. If you aren't using an expandable leash (the kind that expands and retracts the length of the leash) that would be something to consider. It give the dog more room to walk and even run, while you still are able to control him as needed. The more exercise he gets the better. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog! Exercise generates mood-stabilizing serotonin within the brain producing a feeling of well-being and mental stability.

You are correct, your dog needs more mental stimulation. An Akita is a working dog that has a need to be doing something, and if work isn't provided, the dog will fill the void with it's own "projects", which are usually destructive and wholly unappreciated by the dog's owner. Ways to provide your dog with mental stimulation are:

Take your dog with you when you go places. You may not want to leave him alone in your car, but if you're going to a drive-up window, etc. or to places that allow dogs, take him with you. Every outing you can allow your dog to enjoy is mental stimulation, even if it's just for 5 minutes!
You also can just take your dog to a busy area and hang out for 15 minutes.  The Wal-Mart parking lot, a softball game, a town fair, any outdoor event is super (depending on how well your dog reacts to other people or crowds). The sights, smells, and interaction with people are all new and interesting items for the dog to take in and will mentally exhaust the dog.

Get your dog on a twice-a-day feeding routine, if you aren't already doing that.  Dogs are pre-programmed to work very hard and be very excited about food.  If your dog has a food bowl on the floor that he picks at all day, this is BORING. A good (and exciting) method of feeding dry food is to spread it out as far as possible an area, so the dog has to find the kibbles.

If you don't already have a Kong toy, get one. You hide treats, or even your dog's regular meals inside these hard rubber toys. Your dog will work VERY hard to empty the KONG, it's the same as a difficult crossword puzzle or a math problem...after he's done, he will shake himself, lie down, and probably sleep.  Dogs initially try to empty a Kong by simply licking at it and following them as they are pushed by the licking.  As time goes by, however, you will see your dog learning extremely creative and effective ways to "de-stuff" his toy.  This is high-level mental entertainment, that takes up time! Vary what foods you stuff inside the Kong, to keep it exciting. Once your dog learns how to empty the Kong, try freezing the food-filled toy for a more sustained action.

Go to the secondhand store and buy several thick bath or dish towels.  Soak in broth, wring out extremely well, and make into long skinny "sticks."  Place treats on the towel and tie a loose knot over the treats.  Try to get several knots into each towel.  Freeze hard and offer dog OUTSIDE (this is a pretty messy thing to offer for indoors).  SUPERVISE YOUR DOG and do not leave him unattended with these items!!!  If he is attempting to eat the towels, take it away as this is extremely dangerous.  What most dogs do is immediately detect the treats within the loose knots and go to work untying the knots.  I repeat, DO NOT give this to an unattended dog!  This puzzle is great if you live in a hot climate and want to cool the dog off.

If your dog likes to play ball or Frisbee, add a "mental component" to it by asking the dog for a different obedience behavior or trick before each throw.  Then, throw the item creatively ...sideways, out front, backwards, straight up in the air, long, short... keep your dog guessing.  A good enriched retrieval session of 5-10 minutes can leave the dog mentally satisfied and physically exercised (and plus, you don't even have to walk)  You can do retrieval games with dogs that do not have a good recall by using a long line/Flexi lead, or by going to fenced area, such as a ball field or tennis court.  For extra exercise, get a "Chuckit" and really fling that ball!

If your dog's destructive behavior is caused by stress or anxiety, at night or anytime the dog is left alone, you might try using a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) in either the plug in diffuser or the DAP infused collar to help keep him calmer, which could translate into being less destructive. You can read more about DAP here:
http://dogappeasingpheromone.com

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti