[btaylor]

I adopted a 1 yo chocolate lab from the humane society last August. She was eager to please, but completely untrained. She learned easily and quickly. She sits, stays, lays down and comes every time I call her. I have an erratic schedule. I work 12 hour shifts 3 to 4 times a week, sometimes days and sometimes nights. I also have an 18 yo cat, and they "play" together well - chase each other around etc. I have an acre of land and had an underground electric fence installed and she has full run of the yard when I let her out. I hike small mountains with her 3-4 times a week - about 2 hours apiece. However, I have to crate whenever I am not around. She has completely destroyed my sofa and loveseat. They are held together with duct tape because I don't want to get new ones until she has broken this habit. She doesn't chew much else - none of my wooden furniture or my drum set. She might get a magazine or towel from the counter. I used to leave her at this kennel where the dogs play outlside in a fenced in area and sleep inside together, but I can't anymore. She chews the other dogs beds. I brought her crate with her, and she escaped from that ( I use the same crate at home and she does not escape) She's chewed up every soft item I left in the crate for her comfort, even after I doused them with multiple "chew stop" sprays. She sleeps with me on my King sized bed when I'm at home and doesn't chew anything. That's the only piece of furniture she is allowed up on, and she is very good about that. I can't leave her with friends or bring her anywhere with me for fear of her chewing up other's belongings. I have definitely established myself as alpha dog, and I've tried everything. I think she has some separation issues and I'm not sure what to do. Help!