Ok, I have a male Bichon that is about, oh, 6 months old. Great little pup...fun, energetic (sometimes TOO much), and always wants to be in my lap. He's an indoor dog...indoors all day, walks 2-3 times a week outside. Gets an hour or two a day of play time.
BUT...
Lately, when I leave for work or something to do in the evening and I have to leave him alone at home, he obviously gets REAL sad...lays down, acts a little mopey, etc. When I get home, I find his piddle-pad all torn up...pieces of it EVERYWHERE! I was getting upset at him at first, trying to make him understand that doing that was not making me happy (since I understand this breed WANTS to make it's owner happy)...never hitting or the sort, though. Reading a little online I've been trying a different approach...just come home, see his 'destructiveness', and just kinda blow it off...not scolding him for fear that he does this BECAUSE when I come home I scold him (for tearing it up).
Anyway, I'm confused as much as I'm sure he is. I need some guidance as to how I can keep him from doing this. He has the ENTIRE kitchen to himself (blocked off from the rest of the house while I'm gone) so he has plenty of play space as well as plenty of toys.
Any suggestions??? Thanks in advance!
BUT...
Lately, when I leave for work or something to do in the evening and I have to leave him alone at home, he obviously gets REAL sad...lays down, acts a little mopey, etc. When I get home, I find his piddle-pad all torn up...pieces of it EVERYWHERE! I was getting upset at him at first, trying to make him understand that doing that was not making me happy (since I understand this breed WANTS to make it's owner happy)...never hitting or the sort, though. Reading a little online I've been trying a different approach...just come home, see his 'destructiveness', and just kinda blow it off...not scolding him for fear that he does this BECAUSE when I come home I scold him (for tearing it up).
Anyway, I'm confused as much as I'm sure he is. I need some guidance as to how I can keep him from doing this. He has the ENTIRE kitchen to himself (blocked off from the rest of the house while I'm gone) so he has plenty of play space as well as plenty of toys.
Any suggestions??? Thanks in advance!