We used a crate too from day 1. Up every 2/3 hours to take him outside for a wee. Back in crate. Repeat. Did that for a few weeks then increased time. Never had any mishaps in his crate. Few on the doormat where we didn't open the back door in time, but that's on us being half-asleep, fumbling idiots.
There was some crying. If it persisted we went down and let him out for a wee and reset the clock. I don't think there was ever a time he cried and didn't need a wee outside though. Memory is fuzzy though.
We used a crate too from day 1. Up every 2/3 hours to take him outside for a wee. Back in crate. Repeat. Did that for a few weeks then increased time. Never had any mishaps in his crate. Few on the doormat where we didn't open the back door in time, but that's on us being half-asleep, fumbling idiots.
There was some crying. If it persisted we went down and let him out for a wee and reset the clock. I don't think there was ever a time he cried and didn't need a wee outside though. Memory is fuzzy though.