Hi James, first, your dog isn't eating your shoes because he's angry at you for leaving him. He loves you (after all you did rescue him!) and probably does miss you when you're gone. And guess what? Your shoes smell like you and I'm sure very comforting to him to have something with your scent on it to chew. However, to us, this is inappropriate behavior. So yes, I would suggest using a crate (ONLY IF he shows no signs of separation anxiety, such as damage to the crate or himself, urination/defecation in crate, or wet fur on chest, suggesting stressful drooling) and teaching him to use appropriate, safe chew-toys. Try feeding him his dinner in his crate (with door open) and rewarding him for entering it. Never use his crate for punishment and check with a trainer in your area for further instructions on proper use of a crate and teaching him to chew appropriately. ----- Terri Mallett, Trainer