dog chewing holes in walls

Question
Hi! I have a 1 1/2 year old Rat Terrier. She is a sweet dog, except for the issue of her chewing holes in our kitchen walls when we're away. We have baby gates to keep her in the kitchen/laundry room while no one's home. When she first started chewing on the walls, we decided to install a dog door to allow her access to the back yard. That seemed to be the answer, but she has recently
began chewing on the walls again. I make every effort
to keep appropriate chewing toys as well as some other fun favorites, but they don't prevent this behavior. We thought that her having the ability to go outside would help, but that was just a small break in the frustration. I don't want to get rid of her, but I can't continue to repair walls for her to tear them up again! Help!


Answer
Kim, it's difficult to say whether your dog is being destructive because of anxiety, or simply because she is bored. My first impulse would be to say she is bored, since installing the doggie door did result in a short reprieve. Have you considered having a pet sitter come over and take her for a walk and/or play with her mid-day? Or taking her to a doggie daycare a few days a week so she can get some of her energy out playing with other dogs? If you do not spend much time walking/playing with her, and/or training, that would be something you should think about as well. She needs an outlet!

In the meantime, you may want to consider putting a piece of clear plexiglass over the area of the wall that she chews on. She will not be able to chew through plexiglass, and because it's clear, it won't be obtrusive.