[oneguyinohio]

I have a three year old Lab mixed with Chesapeake Bay Retriever that is extremely friendly and pleasant.

The only problem is that she chews papers, books, and electrical cords even if I am with her in the room.

I thought she would outgrow the behavior after teething, but she has not.

I would love to be able to leave her out of her crate at night to enjoy more space besides her walks and playtime at the dogpark, but can not seem to get her to stop the destructive chewing. I also am afraid that she will get electricuted or injured in some other way from her chewing.

She chews, or shreds, items into tiny bits as if it is nesting material or something, but she was spayed long ago, so is this just a sign of boredom or something? I have numerous chew toys and other toys, that seem of little interest to her.

When we come back in the house, she goes directly to her crate. Is that a sign that she could be nervous out of the crate leading to the chewing? She has never been hit or abused, so I'm not sure what could be creating the anxiety if that is what is going on?

I'd love to hear any advice.

[Choux]

I think that your dog is lonely and unhappy... and is punishing you.

Dogs are not meant to be kept in a cage when they live in their home with master! For a dog, that is severe punishment. Stop caging the dog, let him be free in your home all the time. Dogs want to enjoy life just like humans.

Let the dog spend lots of time with you, sleep with you, sit by you and get patted and talked to... if this isn't possible, I suggest giving the dog to a good family with children who have time to love him. :)

[Wondergirl]

Dogs consider a crate their den, a safe place, a private place, a little cave. I know Ruby or labman would have great suggestions for you. Do a site search "dog chewing" or some such to find a similar question and some of labman's stickies.

I remember that he mentioned Labs are chewers, so buy him (your dog, not labman) a good chew toy such as a Kong and fill it with peanut butter or some other treat that will keep him busy chewing on something healthful.

Please do that search for labman's advice on chewing.