Jefferson chewed the bejebbus out of his crate when he first came home, drooling so much on his blankets that we thought he was peeing in there. We switched to a muzzle so he couldnt eat the doors and doorknobs, baby gates to limit his movement, and Xanax to chill to him out (given about an hour before we left). He adjusted to our routine within about a month. He doesnt love it when the routine changes, and still needs to be muzzled if we are outside gardening or grilling and dont want him with us. Other than that, hes fine.
The muzzle is your best friend. Its not cruel its like a seatbelt for doggie snooters. ;-)