I would keep her in the smaller crate, either downstairs or (if you can ignore her whining) in your bedroom where she can see you. The crate should only be big enough for her to stand, turn, and lay down.
Keep in mind that (depending on her current age -- I'm assuming somewhere between 8-12 weeks), you are going to have to get up during the night for the next few months, progressively less and less. I wouldn't leave food and water in her crate all night, but instead get up 2-3 times during the night to allow her to potty, and eat and drink.
If you go to bed at 11pm, set your alarm for 2am. Let her out for maybe 10 minutes. Take her to her designated pee area, place her down, and praise her lavishly if/when she pees. Place her back in the crate, give her a treat, and go back to bed. You have to ignore her whining if you want her crate trained. Depending on her age and temperment, you may have to start off at smaller increments. Maybe every hour or so. It may be hard, but it will be better in the long run, I think. Never let her out while she's whining. If you can't bear it anymore and want to let her out, only open the crate when she is quiet. You don't want her to learn that crying = reward.
I'm not a trainer, so this is a pedestrian opinion. It seems to follow everything that I have read and been taught about crate training, though. Don't expect miracles. It will take time and you will lose sleep. Preparing yourself for that is the best way to keep the stress levels low when you are trying to urge her to pee at 4'30 in the morning. |