If you let your prairie dog run around free in the house while you're gone, you are likely to discover a whole new world when you return. But a prairie dog will probably do none of this when you're home. It's you the animal really wants, not the chair leg. Even when you are there, however, you will have to triple-childproof your home if you're going to turn your prairie dog loose. You can't have drain cleaner or chemicals of any kind where the animal might get at them.
Prairie dogs are also terrible thieves, with a special fondness for socks.
Like most of us, though, prairie dogs tend to grow less destructive with the passing years. Both male and female prairie dogs will become aggressive, highly irritable, and destructive during this time. It is important for owners to understand that the animal simply can't help it, and not to take the change in attitude personally. A prairie dog frustrated by the hormones that direct his activities is plain and simply out of control. Experts believe neutering is a must for prairie dogs raised in captivity.