Pups need to feel safe especially when very young since they are "forcefully" removed from their siblings and mother. They still safer sleeping with a "crowd". There are a number of ways to help pups get through the yappy stage (it's quite a normal stage). Some pups are satisfied with a large soft toy while I have heard of methods like caging in the room etc. Also it might be helpful to have a nightlight. Puppies are like babies, they have short sleep cycles. So they wake, play, eat, do business, sleep a few times a day and seldom do you get puppies that sleep through the night. I strongly discourage the use of bark collars on puppies though. I agree with +evenstar that stern discipline does help also. But please do not treat your pup as a human baby. Save the baby talk and "awwwww its ok its ok, don't be scared" for your baby cousins, nieces and nephews. As mentioned by +evenstar, a dog needs to know its place in the family i.e bottom rung of the ladder/hierarchy. Do not ever cuddle or show empathy for your dog after discipline. Many people, especially thoes with small dogs, go cuddle and pat the dog the moment after disciplining the dog, just because it whimpered or weeped. Dogs perceive sentiments and too much of soft sentiments makes you seem weak and since the dog regards you as family, it will want to protect you and may develop alpha dog mentality. The result will be constant growling/barking/biting/territorial behaviour etc. You can google more about it. Lotsa info on the net.
