Cries every 2-3 hours

Hello,

A couple weeks ago I rescued a 5 month old puppy. Overall he’s doing really well, but I’m working hard on training him.

I’ve been crate training. The first two nights he slept in our room in the crate and cried all night – we ignored him & took him out at different times to go potty.

Now, he sleeps in his crate in our living room, one room away.

The issues I’m having is he cries every few hours. I can’t tell if he wants out, wants attention, or has to go potty. I’m also noticing this while he’s in his play pen. He doesn’t pee/poop in his crate or pen.

He can hold for 4 1/2 hours (at least that’s the longest when I’m working).

I just don’t know what to do or how to help when he cries at 2, then 4, then 7 am…

I’m going to obedience training next Tuesday and this is one of a the few things I’d like to focus on. We’re also going to the vet on Friday, so I’m going to ask her as well.

Any and all kind suggestions would be appreciated!