There are several possible reasons why a dog may exhibit destructive behavior and only target certain items or areas in the home. Some common causes of destructive behavior in dogs include:

1. Boredom: Dogs are intelligent and active animals that need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If a dog is not getting enough mental and physical exercise, they may become bored and destructive.
2. Separation anxiety: Dogs are social animals and may become anxious when left alone. Separation anxiety can cause a dog to exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing or digging, as a way of coping with their anxiety.
3. Lack of training: Dogs need consistent and appropriate training to understand what is expected of them. If a dog has not received proper training or has not learned proper behaviors, they may exhibit destructive behavior.
4. Medical issues: In some cases, destructive behavior may be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as dental problems or pain. If your dog’s destructive behavior is sudden or severe, it is important to see a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
5. Prey drive: Some dogs may exhibit destructive behavior as a result of their prey drive, which is their natural instinct to hunt and chase small animals. This can be especially common in dogs that are bred for hunting, such as terriers.

To prevent destructive behavior, it is important to provide your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation, establish a consistent routine and set clear boundaries, provide appropriate training and reinforcement, and address any underlying medical issues. If your dog’s destructive behavior persists despite trying these strategies, it is important to seek the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

In conclusion, destructive behavior in dogs can be caused by boredom, separation anxiety, lack of training, medical issues, or prey drive. To prevent destructive behavior, it is important to provide your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation, establish a consistent routine and set clear boundaries, provide appropriate training and reinforcement, and address any underlying medical issues. If your dog’s destructive behavior persists despite trying these strategies, it is important to seek the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.