I see many similar questions here and in other forums. Some experts disagree, but I think it is a way of protesting being left alone. Dogs are social animals, wanting to be a part of a pack like wolves. At 5 months, he may think it is time to start going out hunting with the adults. The dogs see all the
People and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
The pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
Outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by
Reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
Or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
A treat. Start at
http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/. You really need to have a good pack order established before the baby comes, so he accepts it as another pack member to be protected. Dominate adults have the right to add new pack members, and the rest of the pack accepts them. If you neuter him soon, it should help too.
Between establishing your right to leave him alone, and finding out all it accomplishes is making life miserable for him, I think if you continue the crate, he will accept it before long. Let him do without bedding. Instead fit the crate with a rack. They are available with the crates, but a piece of closely
Spaced wire closet shelving from a home supply place is cheaper. If you
Have a metal crate, covering it may help. Just make sure you use
Something the puppy can't pull in and chew. The rack will at least keep him dry. In all but the coldest weather, the best way to deal with a fouled crate is to haul it outside and hose it off. Stand on end to dry, and that miserable job is done. Maybe put him outside until he dries a little, and then give him a good brushing. When he sees punishing himself as something you cope with and not working, he should give up.