A playpen and a kong filled wet food, with one hard treat stuffed into it, has helped Ozzy to be calm and happy when I leave the house. He actually tries to jump INTO his playpen! I work 5 days a week, so it's important that he's ok with being alone. Now, he's so calm and quiet in his playpen that if I don't go see him and take him out, he would stay laying down and perfectly quiet even after I get home.
I don't think the crate was good for Ozzy, so as soon as he was reasonably house trained we got him a playpen. He's only had one accident in it, within the first week, and none since then (had it for a few months now).
Your attitude will have A LOT to do with how your dog reacts to things. You're feeling too sorry for your pup. When you are putting her in the crate or pen or whatever, do so with confidence. You need to project calm energy. It will take some time to get through this phase though, so also be patient. Good luck.
__________________ David & Denise  ... proud parents of Ozzy  |