Sounds like you are starting out right. Make the crate as comfortable as possible giving him food and treats. A Peanut Butter filled kong is a great crate enhancer. I would even start leaving him in there when you run to the store, or are going to be gone for a short time. Work up to leaving him in it for a few hours, and maybe before you leave, a whole day once a week or something. Lots of praise, treats and toys, everytime he is good in it.

When we first got Spot, he hated his crate. I think a lot of that was beucase he had just spent a month in a cage at a shelter. It still isn't his favorite thing, but when we tell him to get in his crate, he will run in, tail wagging.