http://www.mybestbuddydogtraining.com/
Don't know if this is allowed but on there she has free downloads one of which is Home Alone.
I know Robin. I have seen her work with dogs. She is amazing but she is far from you so I can't push her business just her free downloads. :-)
No jerking,no pulling, no other rough stuff all positive training.
I had a foster poodle that hated being in a crate so he was never crated. But he was also mostly blind and deaf. Just stressed him out too much. Someone else mentioned they need to be crate trained from puppyhood. Its much easier then.
I can see where the dog would be a little anxious when you left if he had been dumped. Can you imagine how he felt?
It is possible to crate train an older dog but it takes time and patience. Leaving the crate up , using treats or some other thing they love like a favorite toy etc. Lots and lots of patience. :-)