It's not too early. The crate should have been in the house before the puppy arrived.
Talk to Sue, The DogHouseMom and listen to her advice. The crate is for the dogs safety, protection and it's safe place - not for punishment. It wasn't intended for the puppy to spend 10 to 12 hours in it, either. Some people seems to think a crate is for the puppy/dog to be in all the time. Good luck.