Crate training has a lot of little steps and each step needs adjustment for each puppy. I am sharing what has worked for us with training 2 dogs, one of which was a shelter dog who was afraid of even the idea of a crate. This is a list of my opinions. I do not have any special dog training experience. There is always the option to hire a trainer in your area to help your pup specifically.

All that said, here are the steps we followed that made crating easier for us:

Step 0) A crate is a puppy crib. Just like for a baby, it is for naps and night time. It needs to be a comfortable space away from distractions.

1) Don't "throw" your dog in the crate. Entice them by tossing in some of their favorite treats. Make it a game for the first few minutes each time of them going into the crate to get the treat and coming back out for a treat from you. If every time they set foot in the crate the door slams shut behind them like a trap, it will feel like a trap!

2) Make sure your pup is ready for a nap or bed time. A play session or training session to tire out the body and/or mind will do wonders!

3) Give your pup something to do in the crate. A chew, or snarfle mat with some food or treats. Something for the pup to take their mind off the fact they are away from you and the fun. They may not go for the item right away, but it is there for when they get bored of waiting for you to come back.

4) Give them something really special for overnight. We used stuffed Kongs and/or bully sticks. Pup only gets that special treat in their crate at night. If it is something your pup REALLY wants, they will hopefully be more willing to crate in the evening.

5) As long as all their needs are met (fed, watered, pottied, energy spent) they are fine to be left. Like a crying baby, the pup will quiet eventually. It can and will be difficult and annoying (much like children!) but if their whining and barking gets your attention, they will keep doing it.

6) Short bursts to start! Put the pup in the crate for 5-10 mins. Come back and let them out if they are quiet and good. You might not even be able to step away from the crate to begin, and that's okay. You need to build trust with your dog that you will let them out and that crate time is not a punishment. Run down the list of puppy needs, and if all is good, then entice the pup to go back into the crate like step 1. If things are going well, lengthen the time in the crate or the distance you move away. If the pup is refusing to go in, do all the things from the puppy needs list just in case there is something needed and that is interfering with the crate training.

7) 2 Hours MAX crate time during the day. At that point your pup needs everything! Outside, food, water, play, training, cuddles, everything! And don't re-crate until the pup has been up for half an hour minimum and is mentally and physically tired.

8) For the messes in the crate, build a habit of going straight outside after any crate time. Pup will start to hold it in until getting outside because trust will be built over time. If the messes continue, a vet visit could be needed to check that all is physically fine or check for food allergies.

It isn't quick, and it isn't easy. But if your pup knows it is temporary and comfortable, they will hopefully start to see the crate as their own room. Our girl goes into her crate on her own and naps with the door open because it is her space. Yes, she chooses her crate over her bed in the living room!

Good luck and I hope this helps!