How to properly train my dog to sleep in a crate?

How do i properly get my 8 week old beagle to get use to sleeping in a crate??? As soon as i shut the door, he starts wailing and crying. I stick my finger in there and try to gently talk to it. It quiets him for a little bit, but then he just starts wailing again when he realizes he can't get out. How do I get him use to it??? Do i just have to endure the wailing until he stops??? Or is there and easier trick??? Im not cruel. I LOVE animals. But its been forever since I've had a dog thats a tiny puppy and not already grown.