[CinnasMama]

HI all. My girl isn't a purebread Yorkie, but is a Bichon Frise/Yorkie Mix. I hope it's still okay that I post here. It's the only forum I've found for yorkies.

Her name is Cinna, like Cinnamon, and is 8 weeks old. I just brought her home on Friday. After reading practically everything there is and talking to several friends, I still have a million questions. I'd appreciate help with any one of these.

See attached for pics.

I got Cinna after the loss of my 13-year-old lhasa opso/yorkie mix Sandee (she died May 3). So I am 13-years out of practice with puppies and I even find myself with absolutely no recollection of Sandee when she was this age. Granted, I was 14 when I got her and probably wasn't the best of trainers then anyway.

I have been told that crate training is a must and have been told mixed opinions on the best practices of executing this. I know Cinna is young and new to my home so I know she is also just getting used to things and it's going to take time. But I feel like I am imprisoned by this 2lb little fur ball!

I work from home so she will be used to having me here a lot, but I also want her to be okay when I leave for meetings and actually have a life outside of tending to her. I want her to be a self-sufficient little girl.

So now for my questions:

What is a proper daytime crate training schedule? Amount of in the crate, amount of time out of the crate. I am here so it's not as if I have to or want to leave her in all day, but I need to know what the training part looks like. Right now, I feel like I have to babysit her (sit in the room with her) when she's in the crate, otherwise she whines.

Nighttime has been rough. She cries from the crate every 90 minutes or so. I have been told to cover her crate with a blanket and ignore her. I have been told to set an alarm and take her out every 2 hours (when do I sleep, again?). What do I do at night? Having her in my bed or in my bedroom isn't an option. I have a ticking clock, warm towels and safe toys in the kennel.

I already love this little girl, but I am so tired and so frustrated/discouraged.

Any help, advice, encouragement you can offer will be tremendously appreciated.

Blessings,
Crystal
aka CinnasMama