We recently got a new female boxer labrador mix to go with Duke our other dog.(he doesnt like other dogs or at least didnt.We havent gotten a chance to see yet if it has helped)We had another Springer spaniel but she ran away.Duke missed her so we thought he might enjoy another dog around.Anyhow we got her and they actually play around now.Was it the right thing to do?

Also they got into some chocolate(quite a bit actually)and they have had everything from diereah to vomiting.Anyone got any advice?

And yet another subject.Sonja(the boxer lab mix)has become destructive but on the form the previus owners completed they said she had no past records of being destructive.I take her out to poo in the morning then walk her around the complex at 4 o'clock and once again to poo at night. Is it lack of energy or what?

Ok last subject I promise.Sonja does not get off beds.Even as much as I hate doing it I have to drag her off the bed and she will wine if she cant come in and get on the bed while you are so much as in the room.She is currently grounded from the beds unless we are asleep.What do we do.Why does she do this?HELP!

From what you've described about Sonja's behaviour, i agree with ellieangel - she is chewing because she is bored!!!  You take her out for one walk?  Is that right - the other trips outside are just for the toilet?
She NEEDS a run at least once a day - she's undoubtedly very frustrated without enough exercise and i'll warrant that's why she's destroying things.  Perhaps she got more exercise in her previous home, and that's why they never experienced this behaviour from her??
Did you get her from a rescue centre?  Didn't they discuss her needs with you before you adopted her?

Chocolate does indeed contain a substance toxic to dogs - theobromine.  If you've not been already take them to the vet!!!!!!
A good site detailing approximately how much chocolate can be fatal [depending on weight] to your dog is

http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM

Hope they're ok...

Annette

Yes please let us know how the dogs are after the chocolate episode - please be careful there are quite a few things that are very toxic to dogs - take care.
Also it sounds like you need to be doing a lot more exercising with the dog - a walk around the block once a day neither uses enough energy or stimulates their brains. Try going to some classes, do some obedience training to tax their brain. Can you let them off the lead at all? If not there are some long leads you can use which will allow them more of a run around.
Also, if the beds are a no no then they must be a no no all the time.
Hope this is of some help - you sound like you can do with some.

It does sound as if she is bored from what you say. Chewing and some of the other behaviour is a classic symptom of a bored dog.

you say she has toys etc? are they left out for her all the time? Dogs are like kids - but a bit more furry. If the toys are always available they will become bored with them and look for something different to do. I would also look at the level of interaction you have with her, some dogs need to be played with and dont really enjoy playing on their own. Boxers and labs also need intellectual stimulation so a x between the two breeds will too. When out walking do some training with her to make her brain work, this will help to tire her out mentally as well as physically.

Why would you think that a dog that came from a rescue would "know better"? She has been through quite a traumatic time for her, seperated from her pack, placed into somewhere she doesnt know, taken from there and placed somewhere else new, with new rules etc.

With regards to the bed thing she may have been allowed on the beds at her previous home, you cant expect her to suddenly know that between the hours of x and y she isnt allowed on but is between a and b. you need to be consistant in the rules you apply or you will just confuse her.

Also I would have to ask do the dogs and the ferrets run free within the house at the same time?