My lab puppy

Question
I have a 5 month old male lab that just weighed in at 70 pounds & is still obviously not grown in to his big bear paws yet. And he's driving me insane. Being that big it's very hard for me to remember he still has the mind & energy of a puppy. My biggest problem right now is he is climbing our fence. Do you have any suggestions? What do you think about tie outs? I've heard not to use them because they could choke them or get twisted up. I've tried a few times attaching 2-3 leashes together & hooking it to something in the back yard but then he gets mad & barks continuously which I'm sure my neighbors don't appreciate. When he's inside during the day he won't calm down. He tries to eat my Chihuahua & chews on my shoes & drools all over my couch & me. I take him for a walk every morning & evening & he seems tired for a few minutes but that's about it. He's really good at the park & on a leash. I guess he's just bored here but I work full-time so he has to be left alone. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help. Oh, & do you think I should start feeding him adult food since he's so big?

Answer
Your last question is the easiest.  Yes, work in an adult chow over about a week.  It will slow growth allowing his joint more time to develop.  Keep him lean for the same reason.  Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

I see nothing wrong with tethering a dog outside for short periods to relieve itself.  I did it for years with my puppies before fencing part of the yard.  Some of them have enjoyed being outside and quietly stayed out there for hours.  Even with the fence now, they are only out when I am around and come in at the first bark.  I still tether them out front when I am working out there.  Some of them are content to be out with me even if I am out of reach.  Other bark until I put them in.  

Damaged possessions are the fault of whoever was watching the puppy. When you are watching it, immediately correct it as soon as it goes for anything, including the Chihuahua, except its own toys. In a quiet, but firm voice give it an ''Ah, ah, ah!''. Gently remove what ever and replace it with one of his toys, or if older, hold eye contact until the puppy drops it.  When you can't watch it, crate it.  

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work. Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate. Praise it for going in. If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate. Feed it in the crate. This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding time for more than one dog.  Your house and dog will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away. The dog may be happier in its den than loose in the house. It relaxes, it feels safe in its den. It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving its self. Dogs that have been crated all along do very well. Many of them will rest in their crates even when the door is open. I think the plastic ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling. They are harder for dogs to open too. Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with something the dog can't pull in and chew. Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

If you can't give him a mid day break, see if you can find a neighbor or professional dog walker that can.  Doggy day care is a great solution.  

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm