Do you crate him at night or only while you are out during the day? When we brought Bella home as a puppy we had to crate her at night and when we went out. I found from Pet Talkers that the best location for the crate was in my bedroom. She didn't cry because she was close to me. I don't know the reason but she never seemed to mind going into the crate when I had to leave for work (I only work 4 hrs. a day). I think it was easier because she was 8 weeks old when I got her.

Ripley was crated until we realized he was probably already housetrained. He had the run of the house at night almost from the beginning (chose to sleep on my bed) and then got the run of the house completely about a week after that. He cried too when I would put him in the crate. I have the feeling he was never crated at his prior home so it was probably something new and maybe reminded him of life at the shelter? I don't know.

I think you are probably right about the drooling. I would imagine that he works himself up into a tizzy. My Ripley even scraped the top of his nose once on the inside of the crate somehow - maybe on the little holes on the side? - and had a little raw spot.

Anyway, I am not sure I have any real suggestions for how to make Riley enjoy the crate. He may never like it. I will cross my fingers that he can quickly learn what is expected of him in his new home (housebreaking and no chewing) so that he can have his freedom. I know it's hard. I used to hear Ripley crying when I would leave in the morning and it broke my heart. When I would come home he was usually sleeping so at some point he got over it.