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A New Year, A Better Life:
How to Keep Medium & Large Dogs Healthier — and Stop Destructive Behavior
If your medium or large dog could talk,
it would probably repeat the same sentence every day:
“I’m not trying to destroy the house.
I’m just really bored.”
The couch.
Your shoes.
Door frames.
Table legs.
They’re not the enemy.
They’re simply the only substitutes your dog can reach
when you’re not home.
This year, instead of fighting destruction,
try looking at it differently:
What if your dog’s life just isn’t full enough yet?
Destruction Isn’t Bad Behavior — It’s Energy With Nowhere to Go
Most medium and large dogs don’t “turn bad.”
They have too much energy
and too few healthy outlets.
Think about their day:
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One short walk
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Hours of waiting
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Toys that are too soft or break in minutes
To your dog, this feels like being told:
“You have a strong body — but you’re not allowed to use it.”
So they do the only thing they can.
They find their own job.
You Think They’re Playing — They’re Actually Burning Themselves Out
Many owners say:
“But I did give my dog toys.”
Here’s the truth:
Not every toy can satisfy a medium or large dog.
Some toys are made for photos.
Some last three minutes of excitement.
A truly effective toy for bigger dogs needs three things:
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Something they can chew
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Something they can’t destroy easily
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Something that actually tires them out
If your dog finishes playing and still has endless energy,
don’t be surprised if they start “talking” to your furniture at night.
When Exercise Is Missing, Emotions Look for an Exit
Destruction isn’t always about physical energy.
Often, it’s emotional.
When dogs experience:
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Long hours alone
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Disrupted routines
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A suddenly busier owner
They don’t complain.
They don’t protest.
They release stress the only way they know how.
By chewing.
For dogs, chewing is like scrolling on your phone.
It’s not about doing something productive.
It’s about feeling better.
This Year, Give Your Dog a Life Where Effort Is Allowed
Real change doesn’t have to be complicated.
Try this instead:
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Let them burn energy before you leave
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Leave behind something that can keep them occupied
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When you return, reconnect with intention
You’re not adding work.
You’re redirecting energy.
When your dog understands:
“I’m allowed to use my strength — I don’t have to sneak around.”
Destructive behavior naturally fades.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Actually Doing Well
Look for these signs:
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They rest naturally after play
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Toys are chewed with focus, not frenzy
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Emotions feel more stable
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Quiet time at home increases
This isn’t coincidence.
It’s what fulfillment looks like.
The New Year Isn’t About Making Dogs “Better Behaved”
It’s About Making Them More Comfortable
Many destructive behaviors don’t need strict training.
They need small lifestyle adjustments.
Ask yourself:
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Is my dog truly tired — or just waiting?
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Do they have something that lasts?
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Are they allowed to be a dog?
When those answers change,
destruction stops being a battle.
It simply fades away.
Final Thoughts
Medium and large dogs aren’t “failed training cases.”
They just need a lifestyle
that matches their strength and emotions.
This year, instead of asking:
“How do I stop my dog from destroying things?”
Try asking:
“Am I really letting my dog live well?”
Your dog will answer —
with quiet nights and a calmer home.
Further Reading: