What a good thing you've done! This sweet heart has been gifted with YOU, but I think you'll find he has things to teach you too.
Has he been examined lately? It does sound like a behavior (anxiety) problem, but I always like to know there's no infection going on that may be causing it.
How about your kitchen? Is it relatively safe? Can you 'dog-proof' it?
I give you huge credit for not taking him in the car with you during summer or ever leaving him in a car, you have no idea how many people think that just '5 minutes' is ok and then they spend days trying to treat their dogs for complications from heat exposure (many don't end up surviving). You're doing the right things
Get back to me about how your kitchen is looking as an option and whether or not he's been checked out for any intestinal or urinary infection. Any other details would be great too !
Oh, this just gets better and better This dog belongs with you!
I'm glad you mentioned the move. Even though there's many familiar things, remember that he had a good number of years somewhere before finding you. There's been a huge amount of changes for him in the last 8 months. His behavior is likely nothing more or less than acting out. I firmly believe that with patience and positive reinforcement, reassurance and your continued love, he'll adjust.
When you crate him, it might help to bring him close enough to nuzzle one of the others (obviously in their separate crates, perhaps just more side by side, assuming there are 'slots' in the side).
Take a look here for more details with regard to the crating and different options for modification
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/ttrain.html
I'm so proud of you! Such a flexible personality, open to what is put in front of you and adventurous Now, if it only rubs off on the dog
I asked about the kitchen with hopes that you could gate it off for him while you're out. If there's nothing to damage/chew, he'll have to make the 'chew toy' or bone choice.
Then you mentioned that he's rarely in the crate - so now I'm as much at a loss as you are! I think I'd still try gating the kitchen. Maybe the crate stresses him, even though it's for such a short period of time and not often. Who knows where he came from or what his history is - there's no way to tell what problems are built in and which ones are stress behavior.
There is one other option that may work until he's settled into a routine and security - 'doggy day care'. I know it sounds ridiculous, but if you find the right facility (or person), a dog is interacted with throughout the day, given options for acting out and even have their behavior worked on. Like a pre-school, but for our companions. It would free you up on days you needed it, give him more to do (and learn) and may not be necessary after a while.
I still think what you've done is wonderful and I do wish I could have helped more, but you're really already on top of things. He's just not fully cooperating (yet).
Good luck and please touch base with me about how this goes ok?
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Animal Rescue&Care Org Owner; Animal Care author; Animal Behavior Consults.;Cert. Avian Specialist;