I think it will be worth joining the Sibespace forum, Nigel is very knowledgeable about Sibes.

Firstly, you should slowly build up the puppys exposure to the crate. Feed her next to it every time, then move the bowl inside the crate. She needs to know this is a good place to be. Don't try shutting the door until she's totally comfortable in there.

Secondly, they need to be strong and ignore the howling, alert the neighbours you're training the puppy and wait it out for a night. She will very quickly learn that if she howls, she gets let out and in the bed! But she will also just as quickly learn that howling wont work, if you don't give her attention. Put the crate next to the bed so if she does howl, you can let her know you are there but you aren't getting up just yet.

Thirdly, i would say taking the week off isn't a good idea. Lots of people do this when they first get a puppy but what happens when you go back to work and the puppy is left alone wondering why it had your full attention for the first few weeks but now it doesn't. Get her used to being left for short periods, gradually increasing the time.

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