Female Boston Terrier is chewing

Question
Hello Lorie,
I am fostering a 2-3 year old female Boston Terrier. She has been through a lot of health problems in just the last few weeks (Her back story is she belonged to a family-she just had puppies, and the owners couldn't deal with her. They took her to a shelter and left her there and kept her puppies). When she was at the Shelter, she had an allergic reaction to fleas (she licked all the hair off her backside by her tail), a yeast infection in her ears, a UTI and pretty severe depression (and separation anxiety). After we had her symptoms under control, she has begun to chew anything within reach. I have offered toys when the moment arises and distracted her, put her on a leash when I am in the kitchen so I can watch her, bought Bitter spray, etc. It doesn't seem to work.
Mu question is: When these things don't work, what else can I do? AND could this chewing stem from her problems she has suffered from? My husband and I want to continue to work with her, which will really take some time. PLEASE HELP!!
Thank you in advance!
Wendy

Answer
Wendy,

I think it is great that you opened your heart and home to fostering.
It's hard to tell if her chewing is from her past or it could be on how she is dealing with her anxiety. Lets take her back to the beginning as to crate her. (a wire crate big enough so she has extra room) Make the crate her special place with some toys and even an old shirt from you or your husband.If she chooses to chew up her things in her crate that is fine. When she is not in your site the crate is where she should be.
I would next get her into some kind of obedience training, either group or done at home. This will get her to focus on you as a leader,then you can start correcting her habits of chewing. She needs to know everything is ok and with you as the leader the worry is off her shoulders. If you plan to do the obedience yourself I would gladly give you some lessons to follow.
From what you said has happened to her, this poor dog needs some time and some patience. Just take it slow and I wouldn't use the bitter spray I would rather have her mind you over some nasty tasting spray.
Please keep me updated on how you are helping her, and let me know if I can help you with lessons.

Lorie