Twalla, I read your reply. It's great and you are right. There's no reason why people who have full time jobs should not have puppies. I am a stay at home mom and my puppy seems as happy as my friend's who works full time. My Holly loves her crate too. It doesn't matter if it's not bedtime, she takes her toys in there and plays. Or sits there to watch TV. She also sleeps there all night. From 11-5 when my husband takes her out to potty and run around a little while he gets ready for work. Then from 6-8 she goes in there again until I wake up and take her potty and give her her breakfast.
Point is, just cause they are in a crate does not mean they are being mistreated. I agree with you completely. In fact, I've read numerous times that their crate is like their own little private place and they love that. If the Yorkies are healthy and happy, no one should feel like they are better parents than others. Everyone has their own ways to deal with things.
So ZOE123...As for the smell, I worry about it too. I have those Airwick Automatic freshners too. I have one in the family room and one in the bedroom. I also spray some Febreeze once in a while and well I don't even think the smell has the chance to accumulate since I change the pads daily.
I also clean out the crate with a little of the Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover and the place on the floor where I put his pad.
It seems that you will do okay as soon as you find way to deal with the odor.
Good luck and let us know how you fixed your problem.
