Young Female Lab

Question
We recently purchased a 12 week old female Lab.  We are attempting to crate train her but all she does is wimper and cry when she steps in the crate and we actually close the door.  When we leave the house we cannot leave her in the backyard since my much older and larger Rhodesian Ridgeback and Lab males are not completely accustomed to her and we'd fear for her safety leaving her unattended with them.

How can we stop her from wimpering and how can we assist in the acclimation with our existing dogs?

Answer
Tire her out with some active play first.  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.  You might also try a Kong filled with peanut butter.  

At 12 weeks, she should still have the distinctive puppy breath that usually is good for some tolerance.  How old are the males?  I was pleased last fall at how well my friends 4 year old played with my Nita at that age.  Be a little tolerant of rough play or snaps to let the puppy know the older dog doesn't want to play.  Don't step in as long as there are no backs up, wrinkled noses, or low growls.  Also beware of the puppy trying to run off and not come back.  We had to settle then 8 month old Nita over Memorial day when she was too rough with our daughter's 3 month old.  Just keep a careful eye on things and move quickly if you have to.