It's not uncommon. It sounds like separation anxiety and/or being bored. I would recommend a couple things. Limit the amount of water your dog gets in the morning. Even now that Rocco is 2 1/2, we don't give him a lot of water at a time. He doesn't need it. Boxers are notorious for over drinking. You may just want to give him a piece of ice when you get back from your morning walk. It's barely any liquid but cools them down. Also, contrary to what you may think, don't overstimualte them when you're gone. Maybe one toy available (something that they can't choke on). Don't leave the house really bright or tv's or radios on. 7 hours is a long time for a young dog. Especially for those who are so human oriented and get nervous when they're along for so long. Whatever you do, don't decide to just let him have free reign of the house because you feel bad. The crate is the best thing. In fact, they will grow to love it and familiarize it as their home and safe place. If he has separation anxiety he is only a danger to himself outside of the crate. We decided to stop crating Rocco when we were gone at about a year old. We were never gone more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. After 6 months of no crate with no accidents or mischief or anything, he decided to eat our couch one day. Not only were we upset about the couch, but he could have hurt himself. So back in the crate he went for about 6 months and luckily he's been wonderful ever since. We still have the crate. We leave it open and he naps in it, plays in it, and runs and hides in it during thunder storms, fireworks and when I vacuum. Just hang in there till about 2 years old. At 2 he made such a turn around. He still has all the wonderful puppy qualities but obeys, doesn't jump on people, and can hold it for much longer. He even tells you when it's time to go outside.