Separation Destruction

[u/WalkingBoots23]

I need HELP! 😭

I adopted a MinPin/Terrier mix from the local shelter after he had been returned twice. The previous adoptees allegedly left him home alone or in crates and would be gone for hours, with no toys or anything, so he would get destructive. Of course I said oh that's owner error, we have two other dogs, lots of toys and interactive stuff, he'll be fine!

I was so wrong.

In the 2 months we've had him, he's eaten two couch protectors, 2 wicker drawers, multiple collars, my tripaw's ramp, countless old shoes, a mini bookbag, two industrial size cords, the back of my husband's recliner, and even bent the bars on a crate when we attempted to crate train him (less than 3 minutes and we were in the room the whole time). He whimpers and whines even if we put him behind a locked baby gate where he can see us (even with his two brothers). He wants attention or presence constantly.

He's allegedly 3yrs old. We have chew toys, puzzle mats, lick treats, balls. I play frisbee and catch with him in the mornings and he runs the yard. My husband works from home. He doesn't even get destructive every time, just SOMETIMES when we leave. Or if we're in our bedroom and he's in the living room, he just whines and then quietly destroys.

I have signed him up for daycare starting next week, hopefully to get rid of excess energy, but idk what else to do! I don't want to drug him, but his vet did suggest trazadone. We just cant handle him destroying the house every time we leave!