HELP!!!! We recently purchased a puppy (a boxer) from a less than reputable breeder - we seen the ad in the paper and went to see the puppies - I was disgusted with how the pups were being kept and felt sorry for this little guy so we bought him (I know we should have just walked away but couldn't).

Anywho, we took him to the vet immediately to make sure he was okay. He had numerous issues such as parasites, fleas, a hernia. After 6 weeks of good care and good food he is doing great - has gained 12 lbs since we got him - he is going to be a big boy.

Well, my initial question is about separation anxiety - this is the first puppy I have raised that will not adjust to being crated. When I crate him he gets sooo upset that he foams at the mouth and howls - he just can't calm himself down. We have opted to confine him in the kitchen with a baby gate when we can't be home and he seems to do pretty good in there. He will give us trouble when he first senses that we are leaving but I try to divert his attention with a toy or treat.

My problem is that I would much prefer to get him trained to stay in the crate while we are gone - any suggestions from anyone or should I just leave him be in the kitchen and resign myself to the fact that he will never be a crated dog??

Your thoughts on this.

Thank you.