Need help — trying EVERYTHING with crate training but my 6-month-old mini dachshund takes 2+ hours to settle at night

Hi everyone, I really need advice because I feel like I’m doing everything “right,” but my puppy is STILL struggling.

I have a 6-month-old miniature dachshund who refuses to settle in his crate at night. It takes him at least 2 hours of whining, crying, digging, or shifting around before he finally falls asleep. I haven’t gotten proper sleep in 4 nights and I’m reaching my limit.

We did make a mistake earlier — my husband wanted him to sleep in the bed with us, and I gave in. It only lasted a short time but unfortunately it made his separation anxiety so much worse. Now we’re trying to undo it, and I’m committed to sticking to crate training consistently.

Here’s what I am doing: • Reinforcing crate naps in the daytime (he will nap for about an hour in there with no major issues) • Positive reinforcement every time he goes inside • Not opening the crate when he’s whining • Doing calm potty resets at night if it goes on too long • Putting old socks/shirts in there so it smells like us • Covering the crate • Keeping a consistent nighttime routine • Ignoring attention-seeking behavior • Making the crate a “positive place,” not punishment

But even with all this, nighttime is still a disaster. He gets so dysregulated, and I’m just confused why daytime naps are fine but bedtime is such a struggle.

I want to do this correctly, and I’m willing to be consistent, but I really need help creating a solid schedule or routine that makes sense. If anyone has experience with nighttime crate anxiety, dachshund stubbornness, or transitioning a puppy from co-sleeping back to independent sleeping… PLEASE help.

Any tips, schedules, routines, or advice would be appreciated. I’m exhausted and want to set him up for success. Thank you ❤️