Dear Courtney,

It is always a good idea to crate train your puppy. This is perhaps one of the most important pieces of equipment to add to your home. Crates are not restrictive and punitive as some people may believe. Their use is based on the dog's natural need for a den, their home away from home where they can feel safe and secure.

Around bedtime take your little girl and her crate to your bedroom after first ensuring that she has had her evening playtime and her opportunity to do her business. By placing the crate beside your bed, you can reach out to her during the night, and you can calm her with your soothing voice. If she awakens during the night, it is a great time to take her outside.

Keep some safe toys in her crate so that she can quietly keep herself busy if she has trouble sleeping. A three month old puppy should not be crated for more than three hours. Her bladder is still very small.

During the day your puppy requires a large amount of sleep, a normal behaviour for dogs. As she becomes more familiar with your sleeping pattern, she will adjust hers accordingly.

Hope this helps,

Sincerely Zena & Zippy