I have never crated my dogs for sleeping purposes. They were "crate-trained" for traveling safely in cars and for resting at dog shows, but my girls have always either slept with me or in their own bedroom.
If you want Max to sleep in his bed next to yours, that would be a great option - the training process may result in some sleepless nights, but the end results would be peaceful sleep for everyone with Max where you want him.
It could very well be that 5:30 or 6:00 is just his "wake up-go potty and get the day started" time. Changing his feeding time and routine could help such as keeping him up later at night and fewer daytime naps. |