How long should I wait before going to the next step? (Crate training)

I've never heard of taking the top off the crate, so can't really comment on that.  What's the supposed purpose of doing that?  Is the crate too small for him?

To crate train Harry when he was a puppy, I made a game out of it.  I'd toss a treat inside, or several treats, and he'd run in to find the treats.  We did this in 5 minute sessions several times a day.  He also was fed every meal in the crate.  Its all about making the dog think that the crate is the BEST place in the world to be.

When you leave him in the crate, be sure to leave him with something to keep him occupied.  Some fun (safe!) toys, and a Kong stuffed with something yummy (try peanut butter, or plain yogurt frozen inside the Kong).  This will give him something to do while he's alone in there.

Also, never open the door when he whines.  The door should only be opened when the pup is completely quiet and settled.  Otherwise you'll end up with a pup that whines and barks non-stop.

Good luck! 

 I don't use a crate and never have, but everyones advice on making the crate his safe place is right on. Also, the crate should never be used for punishment.

Hmmm, never heard taking the top off....wierd.

Taking the DOOR off is fine.  And as mentioned, repeatedly tossing treats in during the day, and all meals should be fed in the crate.  Leave the door off though.  Put special toys, treats, bedding in the crate and make it a highly desirable place to be.

 I can't recall the site I originally got the taking off the top part from, but it is to make the dog think it is like a bed.

Anyways, thanks everyone for your ideas. I think I will go with the feeding in the kennel and stuffing a Kong (he doesn't care much for any other toy...).

 So I took the door off, and found a nice rug (well, old and not used ;)) that he seemed to like, I let him lay on it, then once it was time for bed, I stuck it in his kennel and he slept their all night. Hopefully in a day or so I can put the door on and try closing it for a bit.

Yup making the crate a good place, food, toys, comfy bed (if he dosen't eat it) are all good.  My dogs love their crates so much I can't keep them out of it.   Everynight at 10PM give or take, River goes in his crate on his own and goes to sleep!  Hailie sleeps in my DD bed but when they are laying around watching TV or just anytime during the day we find her in the crate sleeping - willingly.  It becomes their place to get away.  My Brooke has always hated the crate and dosen't have one nor need one.  She was more adult and potty trained when we got her and didn't chew so we didn't even implement a crate rule for her.  And we knew she "livied" in a crate her entire life and she hated it when we crated her.  Your doing the right things, give it time and you will be ok.

 I just make the crate the best place to be! toys, food balls, treats happen in there. I could recommend throwing some treats in there, letting him go in & get them and come right back out, then when thats an old trick, start closing the door, just for a second at first, then longer and longer. once in awhile throwing in 'go in' only & not closing the door. just gotta make it be a happy place & make them realize that every time they go in they're not going to be 'trapped' in there for long periods of time.zoey gets her food toys only in her crate, so she's usually pretty happy to go in there.