Well I have a 12 week old little girl. When I brought her home the breeder suggeted sleeping with her for 3-4 weeks so she would learn to trust me and develop a relationship. I did not do that becuase of my prior experiences with Boxers, I have gone through exactly what you are explaining.
I crated her from day one, and it is easier than I thought. However, I do have to work extra hard to accomplish this. Some things I do that may help.
I put her to sleep in the living room or on our bed, until she is good and sleeping. Then I quietly and carefully take her to her crate and put her in, close the door, and lay next to the crate, very close, and if she wakes, I just close my eyes pretend to be sleeping, and breathe loud enough for her to hear me, provides some comfort.
The crate at start was confined (sectioned) to be very small, so as she wouldnt pee. She only has once. As she has grown, (like a moose) we have extended her range to the entire 36" cage. I have it loaded, one pillow, 3 blankets, super cushy and comfy.
All sides and top are covered with a blanket, so it is dark and safe feeling, only the front door, or side door is not covered. We put toys inside for her. I don't really use treats with my pup, she had a battle with some stomach problems so just been training on praise and it has worked great.
I will lay with her until she is sleeping. If she wines, I will try laying her on the floor with me (I have a blanket and a pillow at all times setup next to the crate door, because if I have to take her out in the middle of the night, I will lay down for 5 minutes until she is sleeping again) and cuddle her until she is sleeping, then put her slowly in the cage.
In the morning, she will wake, give a little wimper, like "I have to pee now" and I taker her out. Then she eats, and goes back to her cage while I shower and get ready for work. She cries then, becuase she is full of energy! I noticed I just let her cry and she will stop after 5 minutes or so.
Worst to reward them or train them to think their obscene crying is going to result in getting out of the cage, let her tired herself out, she will stop.
Never use the cage as a means of punishment. Our pup loves to sleep with us and likewise, but it is so important in the begining to establish these boundries and rules.
Another thing is we play Cali hard all day. She is never alone, ans shel plays very very hard. She was brought home to our house where we have no dogs or other animals, and my Mom brought two of her sisters to her house. So we take all 3 to work m-f and they play like crazy. If Cali plays hard, and we try and not let her take afternoon naps, then she will tired and sleep good at night.
I hope this helps, just things I do and they do work. Cali is now sleeping through the night, no midnight potty sessions, and doing great in her cage!
