[alaskayorkie]

A friend recently told me she crate trained her weimaraner pup and had similar problems at first. She solved it by putting a blankie in there that she'd slept with and had her scent on it.

I wonder if a small crate inside the X-pen would help? You could even leave the door open, but sometimes they feel more secure in tiny spaces. Though mine aren't crate trained, Eddie crawls under the bed into a tiny spot when he's afraid of something.

Also, make sure you don't show a lot of emotion when you come into the house after being away. Just walk in. If you teach the dog to be excited when you get home, there's more of a chance they'll miss you terribly while you're gone and anticipate your return.

At least that's what the experts say. I admit I have a hard time stifling my emotions when I see them.

Good luck.