dog chewing everything in sight

Question
we have  a 35lbs dog we procured from a dog pound. we think she is a Manchester terrier. she is apx 2 years old. we got her when she was apx 1 year old. we also have a second dog the same apx age and breed as far as we can tell, we also have a 14 year old poodle. the second dog we picked up from a second pound as the first one was closed due to sick and ill cared for dogs and cats and other ill treatment of animals. she became sick with in a week. we took her(the first dog) to our vet and had to spend about $200.00 dollars to bring her to health. her name is misty (nick name is happy tail as it never seems to stop except when she is sleeping.) she also if possible would lick you until her tong fell off. the main problem we have is that she chews everything in sight bedspread's, TV remotes, eyeglasses, small rocks, couches, and even her chew toys. when at home with us and not in our presence and  also when we are not home. we have confined her and the other dogs to one room that has a small dog door so all can go out and in as they want. we live in palm springs calif the summer can get over 110 up to 125.  we do not want to take her back but we can not have her destroying everything in sight.  we are planning a trip to Yellowstone in late July and I fear what might happen when left alone to our car and or the hotel room when left alone. we can't leave treats in the car as it could bring bears.  

Answer
Joseph,

First, good for you for rescuing your dogs instead of buying puppies! I have a couple of suggestions for you. There is a rather simple solution to the problem of leaving her at home and in the hotel - crate training. I am linking you to an article on crate training adult dogs. If you start the process now, she won't still be barking when left in it by the time you go on vacation, so it should solve that problem (and please crate her in the hotel room, do NOT leave her in a car unattended... ever, but particularly in warm weather). When crate training puppies for the purpose of housebreaking, you have to use one large enough only for them to stand up and turn around (this is so they can't make a mess in it and then move away from it). However, with a potty trained dog, you can get her a larger crate that you will feel better about leaving her in. I'm not sure why you haven't used a crate yet, but if you have concerns about it, I want to make sure you know that it is not inhumane in any way as long as you only use it when you need to and let her out to be with you the rest of the time. Crate trained dogs learn to love their crates. Dogs are denning creatures by nature, and this gives them their own little space, which starts to feel very safe for them. Side note - if she is a chewer don't give her bedding or anything in the crate with her, for her own safety.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1694

Next, this is a matter of training. It's natural for a dog to chew and sharpen its teeth - its instinctual, so you have to train her not to. When you catch her chewing on something she shouldn't, make a loud, startling noise like a clap or bang, give her a firm 'no', and redirect the chewing to something she CAN chew on, like a good, tough rubber chew toy. When she chooses to chew on appropriate items on her own, praise her for it so she understands this is what she should be doing. Some dogs chew because they are anxious and or bored, so make sure you are playing with and walking with her as much as you can. The most important rule here is NOT to scold her after the fact. If you find something she has chewed on but she's no longer chewing on it, and you take it to her and scold her, she won't be able to associate her action with your anger. All it will do is confuse her, and maybe teach her that you can be scary sometimes. You can also try giving her some thin rawhide strips in the evenings (not too much- one appropriate for her size, and treats like this should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake). Lastly, to aid you in all of this, you can go to your local Wal-Mart, Petsmart, etc., and find a spray that will leave a bitter taste on things to deter dogs from chewing on them. These sprays do not smell or stain, and are safe for use on most household items including upholstery and furniture (even on pets themselves, ie- on a bandage they won't leave alone).

Good luck!

Ashley