I'd really like to know how much longer my dog is going to keep getting into trouble because I'm fed up with having to keep him in the hallway. I'd love for him to have the run of the whole flat so he can move around as he pleases; it would save me from having to shut all the doors and install latches to stop him from opening them, as he's worked out the knack of it now! It's become a constant thing—he's always chewing the hallway door that leads to the dining room just to get through to the other side. When I give him knotted chews, he behaves himself, but when he hasn't got one, he starts scratching at the door. I used to leave my bathroom towels, my pyjamas and even my flannel out, but he'd go and fetch them to put in his bed, so now I have to hide everything away.
Translated from French
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You first need to understand that dogs are creatures of habit. He won’t just stop getting into mischief simply because he’s getting older.
@Nathanimaux is right, he needs to burn off some energy. If he’s acting up when he’s alone in the hallway, it’s also because he’s "stressed" about being on his own, and he’s bored.
Teach him to stay in the hallway without it feeling like a punishment.
Make a game of it: shut him in the hall, tell him to "stay", and walk out without looking at him or turning back! After 10 seconds, go back in and give him a treat, telling him he's a good boy (usually 10 seconds isn't long enough for him to get into any trouble). Then do the same again, but this time go back for him after 30 seconds, then a minute. Gradually increase the time he spends alone, but don't forget to give him a treat and plenty of praise every time you go back in. Eventually, he’ll associate being alone in the hall with the treat and the praise he’s going to get!
Alongside that, he’s going to need to let off some steam in a park or somewhere like that.
It’s not really down to age; it’s more about his personality and how much stimulation he’s getting. The more bored he gets, the more mischief he’ll get into. The only real solution is to make sure he has plenty of toys at his disposal and to really tire him out before you go out. That way, he’ll just sleep and won't be as tempted to wreck everything. The more you play with him, the less he’ll feel the need to act out for attention...
