We adopted a black lab in January from our local shelter. She is about 14 months old. She chews...

Crate train, crate train, crate train!

First of all, congratulations on adopting! One of the key things to remember, I think, is that puppy stages are proportionate to dog size. Small breeds (Chihuahua to, say, Cocker Spaniels) will have a normal first year of puppyhood and adolescence. The larger you go, the longer it takes, with about 2 years for giants breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands.

So your Labrador is pretty much a teenager at this point and behaving as teenagers do - destructive, belligerant and cheeky :)

That being said, it is NEVER a good idea to leave ANY dog, except perhaps a stuffed one, home for 9 hours by itself. A dog cooped up in a house has no options to relieve boredom. It can't get on the Internet, can't watch movies, and can't even let itself out for fresh air, things we humans take for granted to occupy ourselves. What do dogs enjoy doing? Chewing, digging, running, sniffing, exploring. Your dog can't do much digging, running, and exploring in a house, so it resorts to chewing everything in sight. Separation anxiety is usually a severe case of a dog panicking from being separated from her pack - in the wild, separation from the pack is a death sentence. At this age, however, I'd say it's safe to assume that your dog is just being a dog with no guidance.

You're going to have to rearrange your life a bit. One of you should come home at lunchtime to let your dog spend some time with you and stretch its legs. A dog from the pound is apt to be confused about its role in a new pack, and you should be a firm yet gentle leader. Reinforce all the behaviors that are good for humans (sitting nicely and patiently for dinner and walking out the door; not chewing everything you own; etc.) while still letting your dog be his fun doggy self (that's where the running, chewing, digging, sniffing and exploring comes in.) If you don't let your dog do these, then you're in for a heap of trouble, because these are VITAL functions to a dog, make no mistake.

If you find you cannot rearrange yourselves to accomodate a dog and what they require for a happy life, then you should give the dog a chance to live with someone who can.

I'm wishing the best for you!

If you can't walk your dog that much get a trendmill. Ever watch Dog Whisperer! Its a great show

She's bored and being left alone does get to them. What I use to do on my days off was go off for a hour come back. Give her a treat. Then go off for 2hrs come home give her a treat if nothing was torn up! I also use amonia mixed with water,spray if around the bottom of my furniture. If that doesn't work let me know. Dreamwisher.

I have experienced this as well with two different rescues. The biggest tip I can give (and they aren't easy but it works!) are walk, walk, walk. Poop her out! I started walking my dogs 60 minutes a day. I was way too busy to do that all at once, so I did 20 minutes before work, 20 minutes when I got home and 20 minutes after dinner. I think it just gets rid of that extra energy they tend to take out on couches, chairs, shoes, etc... I also crate trained my oldest and he liked it so much that he would sleep in there even when the door was open. I also have a friend who pays a dog walker to take her dog for a walk while she is at work. Also try to keep a very routine way of leaving & returning. Avoid saying things when you leave that sound concerning (i.e. "its ok, be good"). If they sense you are worried it only increases their anxiety. Give her a favorite treat when you leave and do not make a big deal when you come home (almost ignore her. I know that sounds mean, but any cuddly welcomes can be rewarding her anxiety). Coming and going should be no big deal, a daily routine. Hope that helps!

im not sure if its seperation anxiety, but it could be. i asked a simlar question and there's this bitter apple spray to spray stuff to help stop it. also, lots of chewies and toys help. i recommend cow hooves, because they take a lot to chew up!!