Why does my dog destroy things when I'm away?

Destructive chewing while you're out is rarely about spite. Most of the time it's one of two things: boredom, or mild separation anxiety — and both have the same first-line fix.

Give your dog a job to do the moment you leave: a frozen lick mat, a treat-stuffed puzzle feeder, or a snuffle mat hidden with their favourite kibble. It redirects their energy into something rewarding instead of your furniture, and the ritual of 'you leave, a fun thing appears' also helps ease anxiety over time.

If the destruction is severe or paired with distress (drooling, escape attempts), it's worth talking to a vet or trainer — but for most dogs, more enrichment solves more of this than people expect.