a) I would be hesitant to put a heating pad in with a puppy. I mean, I use a heating pad for myself and my doctors give me lectures on time limits and whatnot.
2) With ever dog I have ever had that had a kennel, one thing that I have found to help them sleep through the night is a blanket covering the kennel itself. Basically by doing this, you are removing all distractions and creating a darker more 'confined' space for them to sleep. I am doing this with Matthias and it is working like a charm, as usual. I simply make sure to take him out one last time for bathroom business then tuck him in, and cover the kennel with a blanket. In his kennel, he has his bed, blankie, and two soft toys.
Those are just my humble opinions and suggestions.
