sudden misbehaving

Question
I own a female gsd of approximatley 8 years of age. I'm not sure of her age as I rescued her from an abandoned and condemed home six years ago.  She has always been a great dog- very well behaved, responsive and gentle with my children.  I have always had trouble keeping her confined while I'm at work.  She escapes collars, fenced in areas and even closed doors.  I generally keep her on a large enclosed porch while I am at work- I have for 3 years.  She has recently and consistently turned the knob on the closed door and let herself into the house.  I did not mind this on occassion but last week she let herself in and then destroyed the lock on the back door and let herself out, leaving my house open all day. I had a lock smith come and replace all the knobs on my doors as well as put double cylinder locks ( can only be opened by key-not just turning the knob) on the doors.  Well she can not get in the house but she has mangled the knob trying as well as dug at the molding and tore up a jacket that was hanging nearby.  She is almost obsessed with getting in or out of the house.  She is with the family in the house when I am not at work.  I walk her as much as my busy life will allow although it is winter in NY and I don't walk her as much as in warmer weather.  This behavior is just totally out of her character and makes me sad as I wish she could tell me what is wrong.  She is incredibly smart- so something has got to be wrong- could she be sick?  What can I do to stop this behavior?  Thanks for any info you can pass along.    Sincerely- Kim

Answer
Hi Kim
I don't think she's sick, I think she is frustrated and bored out of her mind. She needs challenges both mentally and phsyically,
Get her some toys that require work to retrieve treats stuffed inside, alternate them so she doesn't get bored with them,
SHe needs a job and she needs excersize. She should be walking (Power walking) a minimum of forty five minutes per day. And at least three times a week she should have something to do that runs her paws off until she is tired and tongue hanging.
Like a dog park, pulling a sled, playing fetch until she drops, a dog sport such as fly ball, agility, frisbee.
Her boredome and frustration are coming out in the only ways that she can express them, If these issues are not addressed asap she is going to get worse and worse and very probably develope even more serious behaviors, likely OCD behaviors, self destructive behaviors such as chewing herself or biting herself, or aggression toward others.
Help her she's crying out for it!
Cindi