Thank you. Onwards and upwards.

I've left him downstairs whilst tidying upstairs etc and he's fine. In fact I'm in my room now and he's in utility in his crate.
I'm trying to ignore him more and not give him as much attention so he isn't so attached to me.

I think it's because I found him and carried him home why he's very clingy to me x

I would give him a chew or kong and keep the time in the crate short, a few minutes at a time. This is will help him cope with your withdrawal and make going into his crate a good thing or him. You don't want to over face him.

Door on crate has been open since I went to shops so he's free to go in and come out as he pleases x

oh sorry , I misunderstood! I thought you had closed the door.
Playing it by ear is a good way to go so well done to you.. I'm impressed with eric too

Another small but important update. Last night for the first time in ages I left both dogs in the utility room with the crate door open. Eric went and slept on festers bed and fester went in the crate (no idea what that's about)
It was the first time actually that I wasn't woken at 5am with the sounds of howling and barking. This is Festers fault. He's the one that sets them off so not thinking this is permanent.

Anyway no damage. And Eric seems a different dog today, in the sense of he's generally calmer. Honestly I cannot believe the difference x

Congratulations to both you and Eric! I think you've finally "cracked" it.

I have several dog beds in my home and the dogs chose which bed they want to sleep in , its not always the same one and sometimes they swap around in the night or sleep in the same bed.

Your dogs have a good relationship and its not a problem for them which place they sleep in. Its helped that they can chose which bed they prefer and feel more relaxed in..

Are you closing the utility door or using the dog gate ?

I'm taking notes , this is a common problem and I'm hoping to learn from it and see what works and what doesnt !

I've just closed the utility room and all ok so far.
I will see how I get on this week. Going to extend the time alone gradually x

Delighted Its working,keep at it

Just to update.

Eric has been crate free for nearly 2 weeks now. He has been as good as gold. He hasn't destroyed anything! Really can't believe it.
Always thought crates were the answer, but guessing sometimes there not.
I was working in London today. They were left for 5 hours, then my friend came over and played with them for an hour in the garden and I got back 3 hours later. They were fine.

I have also started letting him off in the field. Giving him a chance to burn off his puppy energy. He is loving this, and has excellent recall.
The 3 things he is obsessed with is food, my other dog and me. I would say the chances of him running off when are 3 of his favourite things are there are pretty slim.

Really really pleased x