[Buster Bailey]

I crate trained my 2 yorkies from when I got them (11 weeks) up until about 7 months. I introduced the crate the very first day we brought them home with a treat, but didn't shut the door right away. You could try shutting the door while you're in the same room so he knows that you don't always go away from him when the crate is shut. Our crate was in our upstairs living room where they could see it all the time & go in & out as they wanted if we were home & they weren't locked in. Is your pup's crate in a spot where he can go in & out? A lot of times I put a treat in with them when I shut the door (they LOVE their KONGS!). Perhaps if you put a tiny treat in there, have him go in, and give him a treat while he's in there but keep the door open that might help? If you don't have a kong, you might want to get one or a Busy Buddy toy or something that will keep him busy while he gets the treat out. I will say that treats are only for the day though. I did NOT keep food or water in the crate, and gave them no food or water at least 2 hours before bedtime. Now my pups stay in their "puppy play room" with their crate & bed and I keep water in there. Buster & Bailey didn't always sleep through the night (they still don't ALL the time, but most of the time they sleep through the night now at 8 months old), because they have smaller bladders, so if they whine, I let them go potty outside, but then it's RIGHT BACK to the crate - no exceptions, or they will think that if they whine they get to play which is NOT fun at 3AM! Good luck, and welcome to YT!