Types of crates

Question
Hello, we have a 10 mo old yellow lab puppy.  We had crated him from when we first brought him home @ 8 weeks and then about 2 months ago, he began escaping from it and hurting his nose very badly every day trying to get out.  My husband and I both work full time, gone for about 7-8 hours per day.  We then let him out of the crate and he's been doing well until about 2 weeks ago.  He now has started to eat everything in site including a couch and books off bookshelves, watering cans, anything.  Can you recommend the best type of crate to purchase as I am concerned the wire ones are not sturdy enough to prevent him from chewing through?

Answer
You could try a plastic crate.  I know of very few dogs that have escaped from them.  I have seen reports of them chewing them up.  You may need to do some other things.  Neuter him if not already.  It could make a big difference.  The recent problems could even be because of a female in season upwind somewhere.  

I think 7-8 hours is too long to leave a dog by itself.  If neither of you can make it back to give him a mid day break, see if you can fined a neighbor or a professional dog walker.  

If he destroys the plastic crate too, try a tie down.  Just a short length of chain secured at one end and a snap at the other.  It does the same job of restricting him as a crate, but some dogs it works better.