annoying dog

:crazy:
My name is Bianca. I recently purchased a Rotti Cross Staffy (18 months old) from the Animal Welfare League. About 3 weeks ago he started to become very difficult. When it gets dark he starts barking like crazy at every car, person or anything that moves. He sits at the back door crying and barking like crazy. One night I just left him out the back to see if he would stop and he did after about 20mins. I quietly went downstairs and found that he had totally destroyed all of my solar lights, chewed up my slippers and pretty much destroyed everything he could get his teeth into. We had a storm the other night and i went outside to get him and he had his head under the mat and was shaking like crazy. I have to go to work 5 days a week and I bring him in for a bit but as soon as im about to leave he runs to the front door, he starts barking and wont let me out. I have tought him basic obiedience like sitting, lying down, and waiting quietly before he eats his food but I think he needs other training from a professional.

Hi Bianca. Welcome to the boards.

I'm wondering how much time your dog is spending outdoors alone. It sounds to me as though he is craving your companionship and the security he needs from you.

Yes, it seems that his destructive behaviour is directly related
to how much attention he is getting. This is often the case.
Does this dog live outside or is he an indoor pet?

How much exercise, attention and socialization is this dog getting? Do you know anything about his past or how he was treated? You only had him a short time then left him outside during a storm? He may have had several homes, is very stressed and anxious and needs to learn that he is now home, and to trust you to keep him safe and that is not the way to do it.

When it gets dark he starts barking like crazy at every car, person or anything that moves. He sits at the back door crying and barking like crazy
He's probably insecure and frightened. He needs to be reassured that you will not abandon him as his previous owners did.

Good dogs are created with work, time and energy. Taking him to obedience school and getting advice from a professional might be a very good idea.

My dog is afraid of the dark as well. He will cry when it gets dark out, unless there is someone out with him. So I bring him in, he needs to feel safe and secure and it's my job as an owner to provide that to him. I totally agree with Lucky, your poor pooch is insecure and needs to be reassured.

Also, chewing and destroying your things outside is because of anxiousness...he's not trying to be an annoying dog, he's just trying to cope with things in his own way.