DESTRUCTIVE DOGS
Many dogs damage furniture and decorations when they are alone. This is called separation anxiety. If they are left for very long periods, and boredom or hunger sets in, it is difficult to blame them – the solution here is to give the dog a more suitable lifestyle. True separation anxiety can occur within minutes of the owner leaving the house, and occurs in an otherwise happy dog.
This type of dog is so attached to its owner that it gets very stressed when parted from him (or usually her), and destroys the house to express its feelings. When the owner comes home and sees the damage, there is a severe scolding, but the dog interprets this as a form of attention, and the adored owner has returned so he is happier anyway.

Treatment
This will take time and patience, a change will not happen overnight – it can take months.
Do not make a fuss of the dog when you leave, just ignore him. Try not to get into a “going out” routine – use different doors, do not let him see you get your coat and keys ready. When you return, again ignore him for the first 5 -10 minutes, even though he is demanding attention. Do not scold him if there is a mess.
Try going out for very short periods – 10 minutes – then coming back, and working up gradually from here. You need not even leave the house – just shut him in the kitchen to start with. If he has behaved well, congratulate him. If not, ignore him, do not punish him.
New pheromone or drug treatments have helped in some cases of separation anxiety – ask your vet for advice. These should be used in combination with other training or managemental changes.
During the retraining process, house and furnishings can be protected by using a travelling or sleeping cage. These are wire cages large enough to allow the dog to lie comfortably, stand upright and turn around freely, and can be used whenever the dog has to be left alone.

BARKING DOGS
These dogs are a nuisance to their owners and, often more significantly, the neighbours. They bark excessively due to boredom, separation anxiety, fright or because they are being territorial.
Shouting at them adds to the excitement, and comforting them rewards the behaviour, both probably making the barking worse.

Treatment
If the barking is due to boredom, the dog needs a lifestyle change – more walks, toys, an outdoor run etc
Separation anxiety needs to be treated as such.
Training classes are extremely helpful. If the owner learns to make their dog sit, stay and lie on command, many problems are solved. Few dogs bark when sitting, fewer still when lying down. Training classes help overall discipline, boost the owner’s and the dog’s confidence, and socialise the dog. The more experience dogs get with different types of people and dogs, the better. The dog is less likely to fear the unknown and does not need to bark to reassure himself.
Tranquillisers and sedatives should not be necessary in destructive or excessive barking cases. They merely mask the problem.
Debarking (removing the vocal cords) is not carried out in the UK as it is unethical.
As an aid to training, a special collar is available which sprays a strong smelling scent every time the dog barks, which can help stop the dog barking. But it must be used together with other management/training changes.

Your vet can help and advise you on these, and other behavioural difficulties. He may also arrange a consultation with an animal behaviour specialist.
Most problems can be sorted, but they do need time, patience and commitment from the owner.

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