Pit-mix acting out.

Question
Hi,  we have a 5 yr old pit-mix.  He was a rescued dog and and has been living in with us in the same house for 3 yrs. He is neutered up to date on all shots and is very sociable. He has been ripping the front door apart when we leave the house and also the side gate outside as he has access to the backyard. Being part pit he has strong jaws and paws and has destroyed ANY kennel we've placed him in while we leave. He drools a lot when kept in a kennel and almost seems to panic,..but if let out he still claws and chews through doors also when we're sleeping its almost like he knocks on the door to wake us.  PS I would like to add..we play with him show him love and attention. This problem has only come about recently.

Answer
This is separation Anxiety,and might be due to some type of change in Schedule,,even if it seems minor to you,dogs really pick up on these type of things

So it is a good idea to think of anything that has changed since this has come about,anything from coming home at a new time,a new person in you or the dog's life,a new pet,an injury or illness in the dog,or if you have been away on a trip recently-any of these types of things can cause some dogs to become distressed whenever he can't see you


If there hasn't been any changes another trigger is often making a big deal before you go out,or come home-so before calling a trainer if you want,you can ignore the dog ten minutes before you leave,and ten minutes when you get home,and often that clears up the problem in a lot of dogs in about 4 weeks or less,and continue doing this so he doesn't lapse back into the problem

If this approach doesn't work you will need a dog trainer that deals with separation anxiety,and often what they will do is have you set up a camera in the house,so he or she can see what is going on-so letting the trainer know of what changes that might have happened before the start of this would be helpful as well.In rare cases some dogs have to medicated when you go out,but only do this as a last resort-some vets are too quick to medicate such dogs,but if you have to do this,do so only after everything has failed and only under a vet