Why is the dog in a pen when you are home???? Of course the whining is likely being caused because the dog is pining to be with his humans. It's bad enough for them to be left alone when you are not home but to be alone when he can hear you and see you.

Being excited is something he will experience at first if you let him sleep in your room. He is filled with joy to be near you. He will eventually learn to lay on the bed and go to sleep. You need to teach the down command and give it and then reward the dog for listening.

I automatically crossed a potential candidate for one of our puppies off the list if they said the dog could not sleep in their room with them. I don't say the dog has to be on the bed but I do think the dog being in the room is important.