Hi, I just got an adorable new puppy. He's just beautiful and has a very
sweet disposition.

I am trying to crate-train him and a friend of mine who is experienced
with dogs recommended letting him sleep in another room inside the
crate. The poor thing cries for a looong time though and it's just pitiful
to hear.

Am I going to create some kind of emotional issue like making him feel
abandoned by doing this? Or do I just need to tough it out so he'll
understand his sleeping arrangement and get used to the routine in the
house?

When he's out, I spend a LOT of time with him and do not lock him away
during the day for more than 3 hours 3x/week (before & after which I play
with him a lot). He doesn't seem needy or insecure during these times,
it's mostly at night.

Am I doing the wrong thing? What do you recommend for a healthy, happy
well-trained dog?

Ana