I've just got my puupy that I've been waiting for and I've got a crate for her to go in but just realised I have no idea how to get an 8 week old puppy used to going in ( I've had two dogs before but never used one) I don't want to frighten her and I don't really want to use it forever but where and how do I start

I start off by feeding them in there so it is a pleasant experience, leave the door open initially and then gradually close the door for longer periods.

Never take them out if they are making a racket and jumping about, speak softly till they go quiet for a few seconds, praise them and let them out.

Drape a blanket over to make it like a den, put a T shirt/item of your clothing[no buttons or zips]you have been wearing in with the bedding so your scent is present when you are not.

I have never had a problem crate training even an adult, it is never a place of punishment and a chew is given if they are being crated because I am going out.

How to introduce a puppy to a crate http://dogs.about.com/od/puppycare/a/Get-A-Puppy-Used-To-A-Crate.htm

With puppies under 12 - 13 weeks use with a playpen http://www.doglistener.co.uk/puppies/puppy_crying.shtml

Have a look at Susan Garratt's 'Crate Games' - I've been looking at this lately as one possibility for Phoebe's crate phobia.  I've had it recommended by a couple of people, one of whom used it as part of a program to get her dog over a car phobia (which is why I looked at it, so I could create a happy place within the car).  It's apparently very effective :-)