destructive dog

Question
Nine months ago, I adopted a 3 year olde female lab when my sibling threw her away. She had to adjust to a new home, new dogs etc. She is becoming increasingly destructive - a problem that is compounded by the fact that I have a small over-crowded house. Life here may be more comfortable with and abundance of pillows, treats & toys, but it is surely more stressfull for her because of the plethora of 'tempting' items. I try to keep enticing items out of reach
but she tears the house apart searching for something - anything - to destroy. Today, the objects of choice were dressmakers pins, acrylic paint, picture frames and, of course, garbage. Over the weekend it was a feather duster, tupperware, toothpaste, curling ribbon and a log of wood.
If I try bad-tasting sprays, I would have to apply them to EVERYTHING. I have been locking her in the garage whilst at work, but she destoys things stored in there. I give her rope toys, plush toys, squeeking toys, and her favorite - a log of wood but as soon as I leave the house.....
I know that I am spoiled by my other two PERFECT dogs who are, in turn, spoiled rotten. I want to spoil the new one, as well, but can NOT trust her - PERIOD.
Any suggestions for permanent results? Thanks.

Answer
This is a common problem actually, as gun dogs (retrievers, spaniels, pointers etc.) are predisposed to being good with people so are commonly purchased as house companions.  Their original purpose is work with their human in a hunting situation-verses hounds and terriers which were bred to hunt for themselves.  This is why those breeds are more independent.  So back to your girl, we take a working dog and put her into a home that does not challenge her mentally or physically (to the extent the breed needs) and she acts up.  With the pent-up energy and no "job", she is bored.

She is expressing all this pent up energy by chewing-very common.  My first suggestion is to really increase the exercise you dog is getting.  2-3 brisk walks a day for about 45-60 minutes would help tremendously.  Also increasing your dog's mental challenge by training in any number of curriculum would give her that outlet and satisfy the inherit drive she has to work with you.  You can explore hunting exercises and if you are not a hunter there is no need to kill anything-just use retrieving dummys.  They are available at almost any sporting goods store in canvas and rubber.  (Do not leave out as chew toys-they are for working only!)  Flyball, agility, tracking or advanced obedience are also great options.  If you have not attended a basic obedience course with her, that is your first step.

In the immediate-crate her!  I have added a link to an article regarding crate training:
http://www.jumpinjacs.com/Home/crate_training.htm
and also being the pack leader in your home:
http://www.jumpinjacs.com/Home/leader_role.htm

Keep persevering and you will be successful!
Erica Slomka
Jumpin JACS Dog Training
We Train YOU To Train Your Dog
visit us on the web at http://www.jumpinjacs.com