Sosuke's separation anxiety

at 4 months old, Sosuke has adjusted well to his new life with us, but he has severe separation anxiety.  I am crate training and using German commands and soon we will be in dog training school.  I admit to spoiling him straight rotten, but don't want him to cry and bark the whole time I am gone from him.  Maybe it's just selfish of me to think I am able to have a night life while he's still a puppy, but when I am only able to go out a few times a month I feel like it's not animal cruelty to leave him crated for longer than I should.  Ironic thing is, EVERY man in my life has issues of some sort, why would the dog be any different?