consistency... do NOT let him out of his cate when he cries/whines/barks - ignore him. Make his crate a 'good place' - when you carte him give him his favorite toys and a treat for going in on his own (he should be happy to go in to get the treat), place a cover over the crate on the top and 3 sides (makes it more 'den-like') and don't fuss about putting him in - put him in and then ignore him (no lovey sounds, etc) -- do not make it a 'big deal' that he's in there. Cowboy goes in his just to hang out or sleep (I leave the door open when I'm home). Start by enticing him in with a treat - then once in give him several - leaving the door open -- he can come out when he's done with his treats (of course you are home at this point). When you need to go out - in his crate, treat him and leave (he will know you are not there to hear him) - no fussing on your part either.