Aww good luck. I haven't tried crating Lexie but from what I've read on it, start slowly. Put some treats in there and leave him for just a few minutes and make it a happy experience. Increase the time little by little. Toys and treats.
We didn't crate Lexie. We did the play pen thing and it worked well for us. I was working full time when I got her so I definitely didn't want her crated for 8 hours a day. The playpen was like a condo for her and she had plenty of room to move around...she even ran laps sometimes lol
I'm sure somebody with actual experience can give you better advice
