Adopted dog - crate issues

Question
We adopted a 1 year lab/spaniel mix on Sunday.  She was in foster care for a few weeks.  She is very mellow for part-lab and is a calm walker, doesn't beg during dinner, has basic sit/come commands and is a real winner.  EXCEPT she hates her crate.  The foster family said that, too.  She cries badly, but on her second crate experience she ripped the doggie mattress to shreds when I left her for an hour.  I thought I would crate her and sit with her for 30 min to calm her down before I left.  She pants so hard - it is like a human anxiety attack.  She never fully calmed down before I had to leave, but clearly she went bonkers during the hour I was gone!  This dog never makes a peep except when she is in her crate.  Can a dog be claustrophobic?  The foster said she has not chewed anything outside of her crate.  How can I make it a place she is willing to go?  I am new at this and I want to get off on the right foot.  THANKS!
PS - She is a finicky eater and turns her nose up at all the doggie snacks we have except for greenies.  I don't want to overdo the greenies!  SHould I put her food dish in there?


Answer
Some dogs do appear to be claustrophobic.  If she is clean and not destructive when left alone in the home, I would not insist that she be crated.  The ripping of bedding is indicative of extreme anxiety.  It could be that she was crated and left for long periods, or is remembering a shelter experience - you'll probably never know unless the foster family has her history.  But, you can teach her to go to her bed instead of a crate, if you prefer.  Also, do not coddle her with regard to food or treats.  Otherwise, you may create a very finicky eater.  Read this from a vet clinic about Greenies: http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/canine-greenie.html
Better choices: organic bully sticks, compressed rawhide
Anyway, make sure you feed a good quality kibble (you'll feed less of a premium brand such as Innova, than you will of supermarket brands) and put the food down for fifteen minutes.  If it isn't all eaten, take the bowl away until next meal.  Most dogs figure out, within a couple of days, that the food is a precious commodity and should be eaten right away:-))  I've never had a dog starve itself - if she doesn't eat right up after day two, get her to the vet for a checkup and oral health exam.
If you are intent on using a crate, read this from ASPCA, and pay particular attention to the paragraph about crate-phobic dogs.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_cratetraining&printer_friendl...
These techniques involve clicker training, which you can learn more about here: www.clickerlessons.com.  Good luck!