Q: If your poodle is a puppy, it will be important to teach him how to stay in a crate. Choose a crate that will be large enough for him to stand up and move around in, but not so large that he can use a separate space to go to the bathroom. The crate should feel cozy to him, but not claustrophobic. A toy or miniature poodle's crate should be 24 x 18 inches (61 x 46 cm) or 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 cm). For a standard poodle, an ideal crate size is 48 x 36 inches (122 x 91 cm). Crate training will go more smoothly if the crate looks inviting to your poodle. Place comfortable bedding in the crate that already has his scent on it. In addition, place some of his favorite toys in the crate, along with his food and water bowls. Place the crate in an area close to people. Since poodles love human companionship, having your Poodle's crate in area with a lot of human activity will help him feel more comfortable. Remember that the crate should be a place of comfort and peace, not punishment. Over the course of crate training, you will practice leaving your poodle in the crate for increasingly longer periods. To begin, leave the crate door open and toss some treats inside. When your Poodle enters the crate to eat the treats, immediately give him verbal praise. Do not force him into the crate if he is hesitantlet him enter on his own time so he will not have a negative association with the crate. Work up to feeding him his meals in the crate. It may help to give your poodle a verbal command, such as 'kennel,' when you want him to enter the kennel. Immediately give him a treat when he enters the crate after your command. When your poodle is comfortable entering his crate, start closing the door behind him. Begin by closing it only for a few seconds when he is inside, then opening it back up again. Next, close the crate's door and leave the room, randomly coming back for short time periods. Over time, gradually increase the time you stay out of the room after closing the crate door. Do not open the crate door if your poodle whines or fusses. Doing so will teach him a bad habit for getting attention. Even as your puppy becomes comfortable with staying in the crate with the door closed, you should not leave him in there day and night. He will not be able to hold his bladder for that long, and he will start feeling lonely by not being able to interact with you.
A: Purchase a crate. Make the crate comfortable for your poodle. Encourage your poodle to enter the crate. Close the crate's door and leave the room.

Q: Dry air can irritate an already sore throat. To introduce moisture, run a humidifier in your bedroom before you go to sleep or through the night. Keep the humidity around 49 to 50%. Some humidifiers have a cool mist or warm mist setting so you can control the temperature in your room more effectively. It's also a good idea to hydrate yourself just before bed. Drink a glass of water or set one on your bedside table. If mucus collects in the back of your throat by morning, raise your head up before you go to sleep. Elevating your head will help the mucus drain so it doesn't irritate your throat. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can also help prevent nasal drainage from irritating your throat. Although you might feel like bundling up if you have a cold, you'll actually fall asleep faster if your body is a little cool. Set your bedroom thermostat between 60 and 67F (16 and 19C) before you lie down. In the morning you can turn the heat back up if needed. It's also a good idea to sleep with blankets that you can take off if you get too warm. Keeping your room cool can help you sleep, but avoid using an air conditioner if you can. An A/C can dry out the air, further irritating your throat. Try to unwind during the hour before you plan to go to sleep. To make it easier to relax, keep the lights low and get comfortable. Practice your favorite calming techniques such as reading a good book, soaking in the tub, or meditating. Taking a steamy shower is another great way to relax before bed since it will loosen mucus and can relieve other symptoms of a cold. Avoid looking at bright screens or listening to loud music. Lie on your side to keep post-nasal drip from irritating your throat. Minimize irritants in the room such as tobacco smoke or cold, dry air.
A:
Run a humidifier before bed or while you sleep. Sleep with a few extra pillows under your head. Keep your room between 60 and 67F (16 and 19C). Relax in a dim bedroom before going to sleep.