How to keep a dog from destroying things while not in the crate?

3 times a day isn't enough if he still has the energy to chew. We do twice a day for at least two hours total. Our dogs almost have to be carried back to the house in the morning - if they aren't that tired, they won't sleep while we are gone. Also, try different toys. We have a toy chest full and we rotate. If he's pulling newspaper down, he isn't interested in the toys you have left him or is bored of them. We separate the dogs when we are gone. They get two toys and a frozen kong with whatever their favorite stuff is (their kibble plus peanut butter for one, kibble plus cheese in another). When Max was younger, I would take his kibble and put it in a buster cube so he had to knock it around the room to get the kibble out. That was his favorite thing for awhile, but he was usually too tired to finish it. Our neighbors run their shepherd in the morning for miles. I always see the husband dragging him back up the street by the end of the run. He spends the day in the yard, but he sleeps the entire day. Perhaps, not so many walks a day, but a much longer walk before you leave him will be helpful. Also, vary the toys. Rotate them every few days so he doesn't get bored. Don't be afraid to experiment with different toys and textures. It's fun for your dog and fun for you as well. I wouldn't muzzle him. You can make him more neurotic if you do that. He will stop looking forward to you leaving and start to dread it because it means the muzzle. You need to make it fun and secure for him.

ETA: Sorry, I didn't even think about the kongs/buster cubes. For the chewing, have you tried the "indestructable" nylabones?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display...

One of our dogs loves them, the other one could take or leave it.

For dogs who like puzzles, these are good because they don't have squeekers in them:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display...

Our female LOVES these, but our male won't touch them:

http://www.dog.com/item/tyrannosaurus-rex-dog-toy-...

More tuffys:

http://www.dog.com/item/tuffys-toy-ultimate-bone/3...

My male likes the tires without the rope in them:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productI...

They also have toys that are crinkly, which might appeal to your dog if he likes the newspaper?

We buy stuffed toys on sale in the kid section because they LOVE to destuff.

Basically, anything that says it is indestructible will keep them entertained for awhile but I have yet to find a toy that truly can't be destroyed.

Just don't leave any toys with squeekers.

ETA2:

And for the counter surfing (to keep him from getting things off the table or counters), this is very effective:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display...

Here is my personal opinion,

since I do not really understand why he can not be left in the crate because of his digestive problems, but I am sure you know the situation and not me. If he escapes the crate, that is a different situation (which my GSD mis does).

Now that my mix has outgrown her crate and I am awaiting the new crate to come in, I do this:

Anything I do not want her to destroy I keep away. They can jump on counters, other the baby gate, and even open the button to open the trash! First off, I have a long leash, and one end is looped to a hoop in the wall, and the other on her. This keeps her from even if she jumps over or pushes over the gate, she can't be running all over the house.

The shredding part is part boredom and anxiety. Boredom can be cured by keeping various toys. Rotate the toys he plays with. My pup loves tennis balls, just to push them around and run after them. I only leave tennis balls with it when I leave, so she can roll them around the floor. When I come home, I take away the balls. I also have a squeaky piggy that I give to her. So separate the toys which are for "you are gone" and ones that lay around the house. I also found the cheap rope toys that you buy for dog at like walmart, like the thin coiled ones keep them occupied for a while.

The anxiety can be curbed by making the leaving ritual very calm. Like when you are getting to leave. Just put your dog in the kitchen. Don't say thing, give him a toy, and leave quietly. No "oh my baby, I will be back soon, blah, blah, blah".

My personal problem with muzzling is that you are not there to control it. Dogs pick at the muzzle and can try and get it half way off. Then it can get stuck in his mouth, and if you are gone for a couple of hours...you get back and he has his teeth coming out or twisted his jaw...that could be a huge problem!

If nothing really works, I have left card-board boxes in the kitchen, in which the puppies likes to jump in and out and then eventually chew it up, atleast the pup has something other than my counter to chew up!

P.S. just watch the flooring! that it isn't coming up anywhere, because mine found every place it came up in!

This dog is seriously under stimulated.. simply put the dog is extremely bored. Huskies are specifically bred to pull a sled at top speed for a long period of time. They are independant, and are very smart. Extremely high energy level.. Labs are also a high energy breed, but also way more of a people pleaser than a husky is. They are major chewers, and the will help themselves to your stuff if they are given freedom to do so. Also, in the dogs mind.. destroying things is really FUN!! It's something to occupy their mind, and eventually you make even get a barking and digging problem unless you don't stimulate this dog. By stimulation I mean major exercise, this dog has energy to burn and he is taking that frustration out on your belongings, and both of these breeds were bred to work. They need more than 1hour of exercise, 2hrs of off-leash (in a safe and secured area! )They love to have mental stimulation.. You could get a kong (theres some cool variations of it), and feed her meals in it.. some variations need the dog to roll the kong around until the kibble comes out.. it keeps them occupied. You could try tracking games (hiding toys and treats around the house for her sniff around for), and of course the number 1 mental stimulation of all, training! Even if it's going over some sit and stays, and even just new fun tricks. While the husky side might be a bit uninterested.. a lab loves to please. Also, I'm a firm believer that dogs should *never* have free run of the house, especially when they are destroying things. It's your house, your rules and your boundries. This dog needs to be contained until trusted and she is content, whether it be in a crate, x-pen, or a room of the house.

i would try walking him/ tiring him out right before you leave him. Or maybe try some bitter apple spray as a repellent. Defiantly don't muzzle him. What kind of toys do you have for him? If you get a Kong (at most pet stores, the black ones are the most durable) and put a dog treat in it, it could keep him busy for hours. good luck!