[susan]

I agree, a crate would help. I know it may feel mean to crate a dog when you are not home but it's for their own safety. The dog could end up with an obstruction which would cost much more than $500.00. I have read that dogs will chew on anything they can get until they are about 2-1/2 years old. I have also read that a dog is never to old to crate train. I get lots of information on training from leerburgkennels.com. I hope it helps.