We just adopted a puppy about a month ago, she was 8wks and we were sure how she was going to adjust and she hadn't really been worked with too much. I had done a lot of research before going into this, and crate training was one of my topics. I am sure you have done your research as well, especially considering your prepared a week in advance. Good for you! SO I won't bore you with specifics. I will just say it has worked incredibly well for us, she was crate trained quickly, and it has helped her housebreaking(which its supposed to do). We do crate her overnight as well, which I saw someone else had asked about. We view it, as well as others, as that's Chloe's "room". That's her safe place that she can go and its for her only. She has some toys in there with her, a crate bed and towel which she loves to have... she gets it all fluffed up the ways she wants it to be so she is comfortable. She has even gotten up some nights, when we're watching TV and walks right into her crate and goes to sleep. I can't believe it. We make sure to get her out when we get home, take her outside, feed her, then back outside for some more play. I guess my biggest concern going in was for the health of the dog, are they getting enough exercise... well thats up to you. I have found it to be a great tool for both us and her. Hope it works just as well for you.
). After several weeks of waking up super comfy in her crate, finding yummy treasures, and eating yummy meals in her crate, she began to go in on her own. 