I don't have personal experience with crate training (our pooch joined our family at 81/2 months with no previous crate training) I do agree with the other posts though, it can be very beneficial and it gives your dog a 'den' to go into when they need time out or a safe place. If the cost is prohibitive, try going out for 5 minutes at a time for a few days in a row. Before you leave, have your dog go to a place that is calming for them (their bed, under the kitchen table, in the bathroom - door open) When you leave, don't make a fuss just leave quietly. Return calmly (no excitement) and when your dog is calm, praise them calmly and then spend quality play time with them. If your pooch has destroyed something, don't make a big deal of it, as that will only reinforce the behaviour. Try leaving your dog with very little options to be destructive. Leave lots of toys around and leave the T.V. on. The next step is to go out for a few minutes more (maybe 10 minutes) and return the same way - never making a fuss about returning or leaving. Once your dog is calm, the quality play time is essential. If you keep increasing the time away, your pooch will hopefully become more accustomed to you leaving and look forward to your return because they get to play with you. This is going to take a good bit of committment on your part and you have to remember that the more excited you get leaving and returning, the more anxious your dog will get about you leaving them alone.

My pooch is so comfortable that I'm sure she channel surfs and makes popcorn when we are away!!! Nah, maybe she just sleeps!

Good luck!
Lisa & Talus