[DesertChildAZ]

I don't feed mine in the crate. I do, however, let him drink water. To avoid spillages from a bowl, I recommend using a large ferret or guinea pig bottle that hangs from the cage. He licks the end and it dispenses water.

In the morning when I put him in the crate before work, I toss a treat into the crate and he eagerly goes in for it, so I never place him in the crate - he goes in himself. Once the door is closed, I praise him and give him another treat (these are very little kibbles). He will whine and yelp for about 10 minutes after I leave through the front door (I tested it) and then he gets quiet and goes to sleep.

When I come home for lunch to take him out to potty, (You should be willing to sacrifice your lunch for your pup...I drive 25 minutes each way to take him out at lunch), I take him out and once he potties, I hold him and sit on the couch with him and play with him until I have to head back out to work and put him back in the crate....that way he feels like I've spent some time with him.

I should point out that I don't intend to keep him crated forever - just as a pup. Once he adjusts to our schedule and his bladder muscles are more developed, and he's officially potty trained, I will leave the crate door opened and he can just use it as his "room".