I didn't have a crate when we got Bramble, so instead used my old nursery fireguard which had been languishing in the loft for years - I screwed 'eyes' into the edges of two kitchen units so the fireguard made up the two edges of a square in one corner. I just didn't want him pestering Barley all night, seeing as she was really trying her best, at 7, to get on with the new puppy!
He was fine, and didn't cry - he could see and sniff Barley, and I used to get him out first thing (when I had made his scrambled egg or whatever it was for breakfast!!) and gradually we left them together more and more so that we could make sure he wasn't going to try her patience; he was really good however, and (still) only jumps up and down on her when he is excited ...!!