PITTSBURGH -- If your dog's destructive behavior only happens while you're away, it's very likely it may be suffering from separation anxiety.

Many dogs panic as soon as their owner leaves.

And their way of finding comfort is often by ripping your belongings apart.

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VIDEO: Stacia Erdos' Full Report
WEB EXTRA: Hidden Cameras Capture Pet Destruction

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Do you ever wonder what your dog does while your away?

Have you come home to find your dog has ripped apart couch cushions or the sound of your dog howling?

Bridget Yupcavage has heard that sound a lot since adopting Rufus from a local shelter.

But when she left him home alone, she found out barking was the least of her problems.

Yupcavage said Rufus has destroyed her boyfriend's Pirate hat, her favorite sandals, dish rags ,and blankets all while she was out of the house.

It's estimated that as much as 15 percent of the canine population suffers from separation anxiety.

The behavior often happens when you bring a new puppy home, but a move, divorce or death can trigger this behavior in older dogs.

Channel 11 set up cameras and had Yupcavage leave to see how Rufus really acts when he's alone.

Once Yupcavage was gone, Rufus was on the prowl. A baby gate couldn't even keep him out of the kitchen.

Rufus jumped over the gate and on to the kitchen table for some food.

After his snack he was onto the living room, sniffing things he's already ruined once.

Then he settled in to wait for his master's return but not quietly.

According to Dara Krom from the Humane Society, Rufus showed typical signs of separation anxiety.

Krom said, "You'll hear a lot of vocalization such as barking, whining and howling. Some animals will drool. But you'll see lots of destructive chewing."

Sometimes the anxiety is so severe some dogs need to be medicated when their owners leave them.

That was the case with for one dog named Sable.

Susan Gilbert, Sable's owner, said, "She's gone through doors, ripped apart drywall, she's gone through two windows."

Sable's teeth were broken from chewing through three metal crates. So now her owner gives her tranquilizers when she leaves.

Krom said medication is a last resort and that owners should first try some behavior modification exercises.

"Get up, get your keys, sit down on the couch, but gradually you'll work your way out the door. Stand there for three minutes, then increase that time," said Krom.

The process slowly gets your dog accustomed to being alone.

A short term solution may be to keep your dog in a crate. If you do, make sure you leave a toy or treats or familiar clothing in the crate with him and don't give up.

"Typically it's something you can work with and they can become the house pet you expected it to be," said Krom.

Other things that may help keep your dog calm are to leave classical music playing and exercise your dog before you leave. A tired dog is often a good dog.

More Info:

www.wpahumane.org