Hindsight is always 20 / 20

Puppies are starved for attention, even if he knows that something is wrong - he might do it anyway to get some attention, even though he knows he is going to get a swat.

Looking back, after training, I know now that most of what happened was my not knowing how to properly control my pet. I wanted to pamper or humanize my dog, I wanted to treat him as I would like to be treated. 

I tried to give him full run of my house and property - when I should have restricted his non supervised time to a kennel or other indestructible structure. Only after time & training can a dog be left along for long periods of time.

I wanted him to have as much space to roam during my absence. In actually according to trainers, a small amount of space - enough to stretch his legs - is enough. In my case my dogs kennel is approx. 6' x 15' with chain link interior, half of it is enclosed with a roof and walls, and the second half is exposed to the elements.

I should have started my new puppy in the kennel from the minute I brought him home. It might seem a little cruel to put a puppy out side their first few days home, but after all they are animals that came from the wilderness.

I should have signed us up for quality training as soon as he was old enough. Depending on the trainer & type of training - usually about 12 weeks is the earliest formal training will begin. The longer I waited - the worst it got. My dog was not learning what was expected of him.

Castration really calmed him down. My dog was not a full breed and I wasn't going to breed him. As soon as he was old enough - in he went and out they came.

Separation anxiety is a big problem. Dogs are pack animals - they are used to being with others. I would go to work for 10 hours a day and my dog was left home alone. That, along with the fact that he is part Springer Spaniel - a spaztic dog to begin with, is why things were destroyed in my house. No matter how many toys I would provide he still suffered from separation anxiety. Eventually my dog got over this - for the most part, but there is drugs that can be given to help in this area.