Help with crate training

[Domino]

We just got an 8 week old cocker spaniel mix (we don't know what the mix is) from the local shelter last Friday. We're also having a hard time getting him used to his crate. I think we probably let him out too much during the first couple of nights, but we weren't sure how long he could hold it, and we didn't want him having an accident in his crate. We were told by the vet he should be able to hold it for 4 hours at least, so the other night we decided to just start ignoring him when he whined, unless it had been more than 4 hours since he was out last. Well, then after 4 hours when he was whining again we got up to take him out and he had pooped in his crate. So what do we do? Just ignore him all night, and risk an accident? Or get up when he whines more than 4 hours? We also tried setting our alarm for 4 hours after he goes to bed, but then once we get him up to go outside he wants to play and then he whines for an hour or so after we put him back in.

Also, he won't go willingly into his crate anymore like he would the first couple nights. We tried feeding him in his crate, we tried giving him treats when he did go willingly in there, tried giving him all his favorite toys in there, he won't even go in for a piece of hot dog. We try just setting him in there with the door open, but he lays there for about 3 seconds and comes back out again.

[SalemWitchChild]

My dog was older when I started crating (Not so long ago actually). But if 4 hours is too long I'd make it three and gradually work up.

As for him going in, When you put him in tell him "Bed". Give him some kind of command for going in the crate. Kota got it after a couple of times.

Kota started to whine a couple of times and I gave her a strong NO. She quit after a few days. Any time she started whining I made sure to tell her no. She stopped after the no and then would start whining again. Just make sure your there to tell her no when he begins to whine.