Crate Whinning

Hello all,

My puppy is 9 weeks old and cries in the crate. Not for long but at the beginning of every crating. She doesn't fight going in and she doesn't rush out.

It was suggested to me by a trainer to cover the crate and slap the crate when she starts to whine. I couldn't bring myself to whack the crate as I don't see how that would make her feel more safe in there. I did however cover the crate and that does seem to help a lot. I keep trying to crate her without covering the crate but it seems to stress her out more.

Are there any disadvantages to keeping her crate covered? Any other tips?

Mariana