Why does my puppy suddenly not want to sleep

My German shepherd is now about 7 months old. After the first few days of whining all night, he started doing really well. For months he went to bed (in his kennel in the kitchen) and slept all night with no problems. Suddenly he started freaking out when we put him in his kennel. He barks and cries for about 30-45 minutes when we put him to bed. Sometimes he wakes up and cries for a while again about an hour later. I thought he just needed company, but even if I sit there next to him he's barking and trying to break out of the kennel. He also stopped eating/drinking unless someone is in the room with him. He's usually only alone 4-6 hrs/day but he won't touch his food or water. Both problems started about 2-3 weeks ago.

We spend plenty of time with him and he gets exersized/walked regularly.

the pup is testing you. i have a pup who jst turned 7 months. he's been acting like a teenager. very rebelious, destructive, always craving attention. he's also stopped eating his food until someone is in the room with him.

when you put your pup to bed, take a towel to cover up the sides and the front of the cage. i found this very helpful with my pup. he was whining and barking when we placed him in his crate. it worked after a week. he knows to go to bed when told and doesnt complain.

i guess the darkness helps and tells the pup it's late, go to sleep. i guess from the other post about the light must be true.