Female Lab rebellious

Question
I have a 9 month old female black Lab.  She is crated during the day while I'm at work.  She is indoors at night.  On the weekends I would like for her to stay outside during the day.  My husband and I are outside quite a bit gardenting, etc.  However, if we go indoors to eat or rest our Lab becomes defiant.  Chews on deck furniture, digs holes, etc.  We leave the garage door open, she can access her crate, toys, food and water.  How can we train her to be alone outside for a few hours without destroying everything?

Answer
Wouldn't it be easier to let her in with you?  You would need to keep an eye on her inside.  

If she fails to respect your authority, it calls for obedience training.  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/

You may also need a slicker brush.  See http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/knitanewaster.jpg