Crate training

corbinam

corbinam

Moderator
Since I'm thinking of getting a new puppy, I've realized that I have so many questions! Bentley was 6 mos. old when we got him, so my last puppy was in 1995 :)

Anyways, here is my concern. I will be gone at work from 7:30-2:30. Unfortunately, there's no way for me to come home during that time and let the dog out. There may be some days where my fiance can come let him out, but it won't be every day.

We are planning on crate training but here is my concern. I know that puppies can only hold it for a few hours (maybe 4 at most). I don't want the puppy to have to potty in the crate.

In this case, would you put the crate in a small confined room like the bathroom and set out newspaper/pee pads? I've never used this method before and I'm not sure if that teaches the dog that they can potty inside...but it does seem better than pottying in the crate.

Thanks in advance!
 
I don't know if other people agree, but I don't mind doing something like that.

If I need to get out of the house for a few hours and I think Duncan might make a mistake in his crate, I will put up a baby gate to block off the kitchen. I put down some toys, his blanket, and a square of newspapers. He is well newspaper trained and I could probably let him roam the house, but I feel secure that he won't get into anything (especially now as he can climb stairs!) or accidentally hurt/get hurt by Pierre.

I am lucky that he prefers to go outside, so if I'm home - that is what happens (most of the time, he is still a puppy). With Pierre, I used grass-scented pads to get him used to that and that's how I got him to go outside.
 
I think if I was left with only that option,I would put the crate like was mentioned possibly in the kitchen,and gate off areas you don't want your pup to venture,and leave puppy pads,or newspapers.I don't use them,never have.But I know my son has for his two chi's. They also make puppy litter,and I know Eric used it,and with much success.

Or since you have some time,you may want to look into an x-pen. I ran across a site that had them so reasonable,I debated on getting one,but hubby said there was really no need.As I am home 24/7,and with almost two acres fenced,and the weather getting much more tolerable,I know Earnhardt spends much of his days outside. And if not outside,he is on the sunporch,which is all tiled floor.

Is there possibly a neighbor you trust could come in to help on the days you are working. I know I dog sit for my neighbor many days.As her husband is one that works out of state,and she with her new job,cannot come home at lunch any more.So I often will go check on Rascal,to walk him,and potty.

But I would certainly gate him off,and do a real good puppy proofing of the area you plan to leave him in. As we all know puppies are puppies,and they will chew.
 
We did pretty much of the same thing with Buddy, our 9 month old puppy. With a large plastic sheet on the floor and an old blanket on top, I set up an exercise pen. I put Buddy and his crate and food and water it. I used it for when we left the house for a long time and when I was too busy to keep an eye on him. It did slow down the house-breaking, since he didn't get in trouble for going in the exercise pen, but he was house broken in about 1-2 months.

Sometimes, you just can't be there, and it doesn't seem fair for the puppy to get in trouble for something he just plain can't control.
 
We put Smudge's crate inside the kitchen until he was completely housebroken. :yes: We didn't always have a crate. We had to make due with a box for a little bit until I could hurry into town and get a crate.

I am lucky in that there is somebody here 24 hours a day. I work graveyard, my dad works day shift, and my mom does not work. They would let him out in the middle of the night if he needed to go. Then, as he got older, they would leave him outside at about 6 in the morning for an hour until I got home.
 
Thanks to you all who responded :)

I think we'll end up using an x-pen or getting a baby gate to enclose a small area in the kitchen (and putting newspaper down).

I wish I could be home all the time, but I will just have to be that much more diligent when I get home. I figured it would slow the housetraining process a bit, but I am understanding of that.
 
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