Those who work full-time....

I don't mean leave bones out on the chew mats while you are gone, that's dangerous, I mean have them there while you are at home training the dog. You're watching that untrained dog like a hawk. If he goes for your shoes, you gently re-direct him to the toy you put on the mat. He tries to chew the chair leg, you tell him  "uh-oh" and re-direct to the bone on the mat. And if he voluntarily goes to the mat and starts chewing what's there, he gets praised; if he goes to the mat and picks up the toy you planted there, you initiate a fun game. The rules are so clear, unlike many homes I've seen with dog toys, kid toys, shoes, remote controls, etc. all mixed together all over the place. Think of how difficult it will be for the poor dog to figure out what's his and what isn't. When I leave, all toys and bones are picked up. Dogs generally sleep all day if properly exercised.
I've never had a dog that couldn't eventually be trusted to be loose in the house. Some were clearly ok by age 8 months, others take a little longer.
Separation anxiety is a medical problem and is not a training problem.

I don't mean leave bones out on the chew mats while you are gone, that's dangerous, I mean have them there while you are at home training the dog.

Oh, ok, LOL. That sounds a little less scary. I still wouldn't leave mine free, together. When agitated, they'll redirect onto each other, and fight. I know, from watching it happen, that Teenie won't back down, and Emma will hurt her. It will never be safe to leave these two unconfined, together. I probably wouldn't, anyways. I want to know where they are, if there's an emergency, so I can get to them quickly, and get them out of the house.

Willow is well behaved in the house and usually I give her the kitchen and the living room and close the doors to the bedrooms and bath. 

Separation anxiety is a medical problem and is not a training problem.  ORIGINAL: mudpuppy

 
Do you have any advice on dealing with separation anxiety, then?  Our dog was adopted from the humane society about 6 weeks ago, and he's used to us now, but still has a  very hard time when left alone.....  I dont know to help him, he hates his crate (or is scared of it) and then he gets scared/mad at us for putting him in there and I feel sooo bad. any ideas?