Some dogs handle alone time just fine, snoozing peacefully until their owners return.
Others, however, turn unsupervised hours into a full-blown adventure, one that often ends with chewed furniture, shredded cushions, or mysteriously missing shoes.
These breeds aren’t “bad”; they’re intelligent, active, and easily bored, which can make solitude a challenge.
Understanding which dogs struggle most when left alone helps owners prepare with the right training, enrichment, and schedules to keep both their pets and homes intact.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Always consult a qualified veterinarian or trainer for advice on managing separation anxiety or destructive behaviour.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labs are famously friendly and energetic, but that boundless energy can become a problem when they’re stuck inside without stimulation.
Their strong jaws and love for chewing mean your shoes, furniture, and even door frames might become targets.
Boredom hits this breed hard.
Without enough exercise or mental challenges, a Lab will find ways to entertain itself, often at your expense.
Crate training and puzzle toys can help manage their behaviour.
Regular walks and playtime before you leave will tire them out, reducing the urge to destroy your belongings while you’re away.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are brilliant problem solvers, bred to work long hours herding sheep.
When confined indoors with nothing to do, their sharp minds turn restless, and destructive behaviour follows quickly.
These dogs need constant mental stimulation.
A bored Border Collie might dig through cushions, tear apart books, or chew through furniture legs just to keep busy.
Interactive games and training sessions work wonders for this breed.
Consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter if you’re gone for extended periods, as isolation can trigger serious anxiety and chaos in your home.
3. Siberian Husky
Huskies were bred to run for miles in harsh climates, so being cooped up inside feels unnatural to them.
Their independent streak and high energy make them notorious escape artists and furniture destroyers.
Separation anxiety hits this breed particularly hard.
A lonely Husky might howl for hours, scratch doors, or shred anything within reach to cope with the stress.
Long runs and outdoor adventures before leaving can help.
Secure crates and durable chew toys are essential, as Huskies have powerful jaws and a stubborn determination to break free or wreak havoc.
4. Beagle
Beagles have noses designed for tracking scents, which means they’re constantly on the hunt for something interesting.
Left alone, their curiosity drives them to explore every corner, often resulting in shredded garbage or chewed belongings.
Their pack mentality makes solitude difficult.
Beagles thrive on companionship, and without it, they may bark excessively or destroy items to relieve stress.
Scent games and food puzzles can keep them occupied.
Make sure trash cans are secure and valuables are out of reach, as Beagles are clever enough to find trouble wherever it hides.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Small but mighty, Jack Russells pack a ton of energy into their compact frames.
Originally bred to hunt foxes, these terriers are fearless, determined, and prone to mischief when left without supervision.
Their high prey drive and endless stamina mean they need constant activity.
A bored Jack Russell will dig through cushions, chew baseboards, or even attempt daring escapes through windows.
Tire them out with vigorous play before you leave.
Puzzle feeders and chew toys designed for aggressive chewers can help, but even then, this breed may still find creative ways to cause chaos.
6. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are often called velcro dogs because they bond intensely with their owners and hate being apart.
This attachment, combined with their athletic build and intelligence, creates a recipe for destructive behaviour when left alone.
Separation anxiety runs deep in this breed.
A distressed Weimaraner might scratch doors, chew walls, or destroy furniture trying to escape or cope with loneliness.
Gradual desensitization to alone time can help ease their anxiety.
Plenty of exercise and mental enrichment before you leave are crucial, as a tired Weimaraner is far less likely to wreak havoc.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are hardwired to work and need a job to stay happy.
Without tasks to complete or challenges to solve, they quickly become frustrated, leading to destructive outlets like chewing and digging.
Their herding instincts don’t disappear indoors.
An understimulated Aussie might try to herd furniture or tear apart anything that moves, including curtains and cushions.
Training sessions and agility exercises can channel their energy positively.
If you work long hours, consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling them in daycare to prevent boredom-driven destruction at home.
8. Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bulls are affectionate and loyal, but their powerful jaws and energetic nature can spell disaster when they’re left alone without proper outlets.
Anxiety or boredom can trigger serious chewing and destructive behaviour.
Many Pit Bulls suffer from separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to family members.
This stress manifests as torn furniture, scratched doors, or destroyed belongings.
Durable chew toys rated for power chewers are essential.
Regular exercise and positive reinforcement training can reduce anxiety and keep your Pit Bull calm and content while you’re away from home.
9. Dalmatian
Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages for miles, so their stamina is legendary.
Without sufficient exercise, this energy builds up and explodes into destructive behaviour that can leave your home looking like a disaster zone.
Their independent nature means they can be stubborn.
A bored Dalmatian might chew through furniture, dig at carpets, or find other creative ways to entertain itself.
Long jogs or bike rides before leaving can help burn off excess energy.
Rotate toys regularly to keep them interested, and consider leaving calming music or a TV on to reduce loneliness.
10. Boxer
Boxers are lovable clowns with puppy-like energy that lasts well into adulthood.
Their playful nature and strong jaws can lead to serious destruction when they’re left alone without proper supervision or entertainment.
These dogs crave human interaction and can develop separation anxiety quickly.
A lonely Boxer might chew furniture, tear apart pillows, or destroy anything within reach to cope.
Interactive toys and frozen treat puzzles can keep them busy.
Make sure they get plenty of playtime and exercise before you leave, as a tired Boxer is much less likely to destroy your home.
11. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and loyal, but they need purpose and activity to thrive.
When left alone for too long, their sharp minds and strong bodies can turn destructive as they seek outlets for pent-up energy.
Separation anxiety is common in this breed, especially if they haven’t been properly socialized.
A stressed German Shepherd might dig, chew, or even damage walls and doors trying to escape.
Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys can help.
Regular exercise is non-negotiable, and gradually increasing alone time can reduce anxiety and prevent destructive episodes in your home.
12. Chihuahua
Size can be deceiving when it comes to Chihuahuas.
These tiny dogs have big personalities and can cause surprising amounts of damage when anxiety or boredom strikes, from tearing up papers to chewing through cords and furniture.
Their attachment to owners runs deep.
Chihuahuas often develop separation anxiety, leading to excessive barking, destructive chewing, and even house-training accidents when left alone.
Comfort items like a worn shirt with your scent can help ease their stress.
Short absences at first, gradually extended, teach them that you’ll always return, reducing anxiety-driven destruction over time.
