I have an interesting situation because I work at a summer camp so when i say I go to work I just walk down the road. What I have been doing is taking him for a walk in the morning and then i tie him up from breakfast to a little after lunch. I usually go and get him after that and he spends the rest of the day with me. I am hoping that by being consistent he will eventually figure it out.

His anxiety manifests itself just by pacing. When he is in his crate he usually spins in circles for a short while and settles down eventually. He doesn't do anything destructive. He only barks but that ceases when he is wearing his barking collar. He is fine in his crate or tethered when I am there but as soon as I leave he starts pacing.

Also, there is very little human stimulus for him while he is tied up. He has 15 horses he can sit and watch but there aren't other dogs or people that are around.

I would love to have an outdoor kennel, but seeing as I am a student and traveling to a new location every couple months it is quite unpractical. I am sure that with patience and time he will get the hang of it just like with patience and time they get the hang of the crate.

 Quote: Jeremy Shaba

Also, there is very little human stimulus for him while he is tied up. He has 15 horses he can sit and watch but there aren't other dogs or people that are around.

This would be a big reason for me to NOT leave a dog outside. Herding breeds can start obsessing over animals that they see but cannot get to. This can make them even more frustrated and can lead to chasing issues down the road - they sit and watch/think about those animals all day and want to get to them, but they can't. Once they get loose for whatever reason the only thing they can think about is chasing those animals.

The circumstances you describe make me feel much better about the whole situation. It sounds like your dog is tethered outside no more than a few hours each morning. It also sounds like he might learn to be okay in the crate, and again if it's not for an eight- or ten-hour time period, I see no harm in that. As long as he's not frantically trying to escape or hurting himself in any way, he's probably safer inside.

You say he's not destructive and doesn't bark as long as he has his collar on. What about allowing him freedom in the house or part of the house while you're gone?

It does sound like you are a caring and concerned owner and I'm sure you will come up with a solution that works best for both of you.

Are you working on obedience training?

Could you bike or jog?
My ACD runs with my husband at least 4 days a week,about 4 miles. It makes a huge difference in his behavior. For example, if he runs with my husband in the morning my dog might choose to lie under a tree for a good half a day while I do chores. He "monitors" my activities, but sometimes from afar. His choice.
Days without a morning run means he follows me everywhere, and worries over what I might be doing.