housebreaking issues and crate issues

Question
My standard poodle is a 5 month old male.  Just about the time i think he understands that he is supposed to go outside to potty he has an accident in the house.  It is not a normal stand in one spot accident, he does this extended dribble from one end of my carpet to another a line of pee.  What's with that?  Also, he does not like his crate.  He barks forever; pants and will not calm down in it.  It appears to me that he has separation anxiety or something whenever i put him in it.  I thought crates were supposed to be something good for them.  It is just a nightmare at our house.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
I would have the vet check him.  That dribbling could mean a UTI.  All it may take are some antibiotics.  

Crates are a great tool, but work poorly with some dogs.  I believe most of the problems with them come from misuse and poor early socialization.  I think a lot of the separation anxiety comes from a dog that was never left alone until it was 12 weeks old.  Many of our puppies, we had to leave half a day starting at 7 weeks.  We never had any problem.  

One alternative you could try is a tie down, just a short chain fastened at one end and a snap at the other.  Choose a corner or somewhere where you can clear away anything he might damage and leaved him snapped on it.