Crate training and Barking

Question
My family has a 1 yr old yellow Lab (Max). when we put him in his crate for the night he barks nonstop until we let him out.  He spends most of his time in a large run outside, coming in when it is too cold or weather is bad.  He also barks at our windows when we turn on lights or look out to check on him.  Is all the barking for attention?

Answer
Likely much of it is.  The technique I use the first few nights on a new puppy may help quiet him down at night.  I have found lying down in front of the crate like you were going to sleep and speaking softly to it, or singing, until it settles down and goes to sleep works very well.  Follow the pattern, a period of active play, outside to eliminate, and then into the crate.