I would try the wire crate. Some dogs prefer it, the more open feel. My oldest boy had a strong aversion to plastic and could not tolerate the plastic crate and would not drink out of the plastic travel bowl that I bought for the trip home with him.
At least one side of the crate needs to be uncovered for good air flow.
Many dogs cannot tolerate close confinement, like claustrophobia in humans. My older boy preferred the xpen, but he is fine with the crate like cages at the vet's office.
If you choose to continue with the crate, limit the amount of time she is confined.
Pooping: my younger boy, when I put him in his double xpen to leave him for a brief time, he would immediately need to poop. I think it was nervousness about being left. He had a pad available at all times, so it wasn't a problem.
The fastest way to solve the crying at night problem would be to have her in the bedroom where she can see you. If you don't mind your pups in the bedroom. I had Max's xpen next to bed when he was a pup. No crying.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy  |