So, we got our puppy Saturday (almost 9 weeks old, aussiedoodle). Our house has multiple levels (stairs) and hazards for our puppy. And bladder control is limited.

We crated him the first night and woke up every 2 hours to potty time and back in the crate. He would howl for 20 mins after and then fall asleep (crate is in our room next to us).

We tried to put him in there yesterday while we vacuumed and cooked and he howled the entire time. I assume because he could hear us. He was in there 45 mins tops. When he can see us, he’s calm and quiet even if we’re ignoring him.

Last night, he’d make a few noises but 1-2 mins tops and then off to dream land, potty every two hours again.

I’ve read lots of guides on the ideal way to crate train and it all seems to take a week to get him in there and calm... am I screwing this up? He does want to leave whenever we open the door.

Today, I’m at work partner is at home but will leave for work. I’m timing it to run back and forth at home so he’s never in there more than 2 hours. I’ll run home, potty time, some play, and then have to put him back in.

We’ll feed him in there as of today and we’ll try and put him in when he naps, leave the door open and stay next to him to try and create the association.

I feel like I’m pushing too much too fast, but I feel caught. Working from home isn’t really an option for me. My partner’s schedule isn’t flexible for the next two weeks but afterwards, it’ll be much easier.

Help ? I need him to like his crate as we want him crate trained and it’s for his safety when we’re away.

Edit: I’ve read all the guides, but they all assume a large amount of time to get to crated. I’m a bit lost. He doesn’t detest the crate, I feel like it’s more so loneliness and a need to be with us than anything else ?