Our dogs dont like to be left alone.

Question
Hi, I am very trouble and concerned with our very loveable and over zealous dogs.  We have had Kasey (rottie/lab mix) for almost two years now and she has never liked being left alone.    She was abandoned and we took her in, she was about 7-8 months old then.  She is very loving and such a sook it isn't funny.  Then a few month later we took in another dog Lexi she was about 8 weeks old. She was being abused by the other dogs where she was.  She is boxer/pitbull mix.  Now we have come along way with both dogs.  When we are home with these two they are for the most part good dogs.  now heres where the problem is.  When we leave the house even if it is just for a few minutes or a few hours they will not stop until they have the house destroyed, I mean destroyed, they have ruined 2 couches, chairs, phones, shoes and even tore up the floor covering.
Now I know for a fact that they know that they have done a bad thing because when we get home the hide and hope we don't see the mess or them.  Its funny in a way but very frustrating at the same time.  We have scolded them many times, talked to them (yeah I know but we keep hoping), and nothing seems to work.  I have thought about getting muzzles for them, but not sure if that would be to much.  We have to work and they have to learn not to be so destructive at same time. Other than getting a dog sitter we just don't know what to do.  We love these dogs so very much and we do not want to get rid of them they are such a big part of our family.  We just want to keep our house intact when we are not here.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely Kasey and Lexi's mommmie

Answer
You must crate them.  Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still 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.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

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.

I don't like to see a dog crated for more than 4-5 if neither of you can make it back, find a neighbor or professional dog walker to give them a mid day break.  You could also find a doggy day care for them.