[yorkietalkjilly]

I'd just get a crate large enough to have food/water at one end & potty pad if you are going to be away for a while. Start early desensitizing him to the crate so he won't freak out. Put it where you intend to keep it, door open & throw highly enticing treats & toys in there, making a game of his going in to get the reward and running out. Eventually, close & immediately open the door when he goes in. Repeat several times. Then close the door for about 30 seconds & treat him through the door, then open it, let him out. Keep working on how long he waits in the crate until you are up to 5 - 10 minutes, then treat through the door before you let him out. After a while, walk out your front door while he's in there and then right back in & go treat him through the cage door, release him. Work up longer staying outside and then treating him in the crate B4 letting out.

When you do let him out of the crate, keep that very low key. The reward & praising come with him staying in there & being good - that is what gets the treat. Coming out is a reward in itself but the key is to teach him being in the crate is the good thing that gets him treats/praise & a happy mom. In this case I wouldn't cover the crate or anything so he's got the idea he can still see & enjoy his surrounding as he recoops.

Slowly desensitizing to staying in the crate and then to staying in the crate while you are gone should help him learn to accept it as his den & stay quiet in it while he is recuperating.