MENTAL STIMULATION IS IMPORTANT!
Dogs are very social creatures. They are also intelligent
and need mental and physical stimulation. When these
needs aren't met, destructive behavior can occur. Your
dog may get into the trash, tear up the sofa, or dig holes
in the carpeting because he's stressed and not challenged.
There are a variety of "stimulating toys" available on the
market today. A very simple one is the "Trixie Spinner".
I've included the video on this page of our dog Fiona
working with this puzzle. Basically it has three tubes that you can fill with kibble or training treats. Simply screw on the lids and let your dog figure out how to get the treats. It may take a little encouragement and a little time. Fiona figured it out within a few days and now is a pro!
This particular toy is a "low level" challenge. They are available in varying degrees of difficulty. We also bought her an I-Fetch tennis ball launcher. This requires a bit of training so the dog gets the idea that he's supposed to drop the tennis ball into the chute in order for it to work. As soon as she's mastered this, I'll be sure to upload a video.
The bottom line is that, if your dog is not challenged mentally and doesn't get enough physical exercise, he will become anxious and possibly destructive.