[Patrick del Poker Grande]

That's an awesome pup, Daryn. Stay "tough" on the crate training - it'll pay off. Pretty soon, he'll probably actually like to go into his crate - that's your (short-term) goal. Stuff some kongs with food and treats and put them in the crate. He'll learn to like his crate and also learn what he can chew on at the same time.

I've taught my dogs that they can't bark, except to go outside. I did that by putting them outside immediately any time they bark like they want something and busting them (putting them in the small dark bathroom for about 30 seconds) any other time they bark. If you're consistent, you'll get a dog that will let you know when he needs to go out, but won't be barking otherwise.

The first couple nights are the hardest with the poor little guy whaling away, but you kind of just have to live through it and it'll get better. After the first night or two, when it's reasonable for him to be scared/lonely, start busting him for making noise. Go down, tell/yell "uh-uh!" and put him in a small, dark room (bathroom's usually good) for up to 30 seconds. Then, put him right back in his crate and leave again - make sure he doesn't get anywhere with whining. It'll be a pain in the ass to do this all the time for the first couple weeks, but it'll pay off. Maybe take him outside the first time to make sure he's not whining to go pee, but be sure to put him right back in the crate and then start busting him after you know it's not because he has to pee. You'll be able to tell which is which after a little while.