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A Messy Dog means lots of extra work for you. Here's everything you need to know about this behavior.

I Have a Messy Dog

It's probably happened to you: You come home to find a huge pile of shredded papers and trash, and in the middle sits a sheepish-looking dog with her tail between her legs. Dogs naturally like to chew things, but when they begin to chew trash and furniture, it's got to stop.

There are a variety of reasons your dog may love making a mess:

Boredom: Dogs left to their own devices too often will inevitably find ways to entertain themselves. They'll get into whatever is on hand, whether it's the trash can, the food pantry, or even your desk or children's toys.

Anxiety: An overanxious dog will exhibit nervous behavior like chewing and destroying things. The anxiety could be because she's alone, or because of something scary like a storm or other loud noise.

Aggression. Sometimes dogs feel threatened by circumstances or people and will react by destroying objects. Other times, a dog will show her displeasure toward her owner by making a huge mess. For instance, if you leave for the weekend, you may come home to a mess even though you made arrangements for her care.

Hunger: Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and trash cans hold a bounty of tempting delights. If your dog isn't eating enough, she may just try and make up for it on her own.

Messy Dog: How to Handle It

When your dog loves making a mess, the easiest thing is to keep objects and furniture out of her way if she's going to be alone for a while. Remove the temptations and she will be less likely to get into something. Keep doors closed to the rooms in your house, especially bathrooms. (Why do dogs like the bathroom trash so much?)

Keep your dog stimulated by providing lots of exercise and play time. Give her lots of attention and make sure she gets a quick walk in the morning if you have to work all day. Spend time with her in the evening, and don't let her feel excluded from family activities. When you're home, don't keep her confined in her crate or one particular room of the house. Let her in on the action, and she'll be less likely to act out when she's alone.

Ensure you're feeding her enough every day. Consult your veterinarian if you're not sure how much she should be eating. The recommended amount varies widely depending on your dog's size and breed. Complement meals with a healthy snack or two during the day, so she won't feel the need to start rooting through the trash. Following these tips will help to minimize the impact of a messy dog.

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