You were a responsible dog owner and took your dog to obedience training when he was young. The two of you went though several months of learning how to sit down, stay and come. Your dog did pretty well or a while and even stopped the chewing of the walls and soiling in the house. It was still an advanced aerobic workout when you took him for a walk but you did train right?

Your dog just turned two years old and when you came home from work, you found the house looking as though it had been hit by an interior hurricane. What happened? The dog know it was bad to do these things, yet he reverted back to his juvenile delinquent stage overnight. Your dog didn’t forget his training, he just missed it. When you and he went through obedience school, you practiced everyday for however long your instructor suggested and maintained consistency as much as possible. After a while, you dog didn’t give you any problems and you stopped working with him.

You may have become extra busy at work or dealing with family matters. Whatever the reason, your dog found himself nothing to do with the time. Sure, you come home and throw the ball for him, and see to his feeding and grooming but training sessions stopped and so did your best friend occupation.

With nothing better to do, your dog occupied his time by chewing and digging a popular doggie pastime. Even though you became angry with him and punished hi, at least he got some attention from you, so the behavior continued. Before too long he reverted to puppyhood and no longer respects or listens to you at all.

There is one means of stopping this behavior. Go back into training. Every dog need an occupation, just as humans do , or they become destructive and apathetic. They need to have something to look forward to each day. They also need regular reassertion of pack hierarchy or they begin to challenge the leader on regular basis.

The best means of correcting their problem is to restart the training regimen and if you are still having problems, contact a professional trainer who can accurately address the sources.

Sometimes, joining a basic training class can be something that your dog will look forward to doing with you, bringing back the harmonious relationship. Your dog will be able to socialize with other dogs and you will relearn how to give commands and maintain consistency. Remember, dogs don’t forget their training, they only miss it.