lhasa opsa

Question
I have a 6 mo lhasa-I wanted to raise one more puppy before I got to old-I have crate problems at night-she goes nuts in a crate-we have finally worked up to about 4 hours at night and after that we cant stand it-I need her to be able to stay in the crate some when I have to do something and cant watch her-the barking is so loud you cant get away from it. She seems smart-she will do sit,dead dog, roll over etc.  Cant make any progress with stay--at bedtime she takes off running because she knows the crate is next--do you think it is her age--is she to young for the stay--back to the crate--she has stuffed animal-bone etc--how can I get her to settle down--by about 4 am-we have to get up-I dont want to have to move her outside and besides that I dont think the neighbors could stand it--I keep wondering about moving up to a larger crate but I am afraid she would start using it for her bathroom---do you have any suggestions?
Sami

Answer
If her current crate is big enough to stretch out in, I would stick with it.  
At bed time, with a new puppy, I have found lying down in front of the crate like you were going to sleep and speaking softly to it, or singing, until it settles down and goes to sleep works very well.  Follow the pattern, a period of active play, outside to eliminate, and then into the crate.  I don't know if that would work with her.  You might also try moving the crate into your bedroom.  She may be more comfortable knowing you are near.  

More activity through the day and later in the evening may help.  A tired puppy is a good puppy.  Is she spayed?  Six months is when most vets prefer to do it.