The most common complaint with young dogs is destructive behavior. Destructive behavior is usually an easy problem to solve because it is directly related to supervision. When a dog is with you, he'll consistently be offered an alternative when he picks up your belongings and SHOULD be consistently rewarded for playing with his own toys. When your dog is not with you, he can be safely confined in a puppy proof area of your home or yard. If you are gone for long periods of time you may have difficulty confining the dog adequately while still providing sufficient exercise and enrichment. Consider having a dog walker come during the day or installing a dog run or enrolling your dog in day care at a kennel that can provide a stimulating environment for a growing dog.

There are many reasons a dog may destroy your belongings. For example, puppies that are not supervised will explore anything. If it smells good, tastes good or feels good they will play with it. By play, I mean chase it, kill it and eat it. If no one is nearby with a better offer, then problem behavior develops. 

Destructive behavior can also be attention seeking behavior. If running around with your shoes causes you to drop whatever you are doing to chase the dog, then your dog is using the destructive behavior to get your attention. He may benefit from a vigorous exercise program or positive attention from you for desirable behavior. Actively reward a dog with attention for playing quietly every chance you get. Your dog may also benefit from a program to teach him about leadership so that he understands that all things in the house belong to you. 

Another cause for destructive behavior is a desire to reach something outside the house or room or fence he is confined to. If the destructive behavior is centered around doorways, windows or fences, your dog may have a problem with territorial aggression and may be reacting to a trespasser such as the mail carrier or a neighbor's cat. I have observed squirrels park on an outside window and work the dog inside a house into a frenzy. If your dog is bored or unhappy left alone in a room, he can be taught to accept the restriction gradually with the Manners Minder, a Kong dispenser and increased attention and exercise from you when you are available.  

Finally, some dogs panic when left alone. These dogs are not destructive when supervised and are house trained. But when left alone, for just 30 minutes, they wreak havoc in the house. These dogs can be suffering from Separation Anxiety. This is a specific form of destruction related to insecurity which can be handled with training and managing anxiety.