swallowing everything whole!!!

Question
I have a 10 mo old male choc lab.  We just adopted him from his previous owners due to housing situations.  Except for this problem he is and AMAZING dog!  He is either eating something or swallowing it whole!!!!  He has gotten toys, shoes, sneakers, underware, socks, shirts bathing suits, his leash....EVERYTHING!!!  We asked the previous owner about it and he did it for them to.  I am afraid one day it will be something he cant poop out or vomit up.  We try and hide or put everything away and he still finds something.  He is gated in the kitchen over night and when arent home.  He does it when we are home or gone.  And its at no specific time.  He has done it when i was getting the mail, 2 min later i came in and he vommited up a whole sock, whole pair of underware and a couple of barbie doll parts.  I am sooooo lost as to what to do.  I have had a lot of dogs but have never seen this "whole" eating/swallowing before.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read my question....Amy Gaj

Answer
First of all i am sorry this took so long. For some reason i was not showing a question. Ok..first things first...you put the dog in the kitchen and while away...this dog is not getting the opportunity to feel part of your pack. At night at least crate him in your room. He will be much happier there. Has he ever been in a crate? This might make him feel better while you are gone as well...a kitchen is such a large open area and dogs like to lay in den-like areas. Ok next about the swallowing...it definately sounds behavioral and unfortunately i can not help you from here. You might hire a  behaviorist. But when you leave the dog out of sight, you are allowing this bh. Try walking to the mailbox with him or put him in the crate for two more minutes. This should not  be a punishment, but a way to avoid this problem. The dog is really a child and needs you to teach right and wrong and since he cant speak to you, this is how you communicate with him
good luck
nancy