[Ladylavender]

Are you keeping him gated in a specific area when you are away from home or while you are there? If you are keeping him gated while you are there, I would:

1. buy an x-pen and keep him contained in that and then have him x-pened in the same room as you or where the family hangs out where he can see everyone and everything.
a) an x-pen will also keep him away from walls and things that he can tear into.
2. Buy a plastic tarp or shower curtain to put under the x-pen to avoid damaging your carpet and floors if he poos and pees.
3. Put his bed, toys, food dish and peepad in the x-pen.

If you are gating him while you are away:

1. I might try a crate, 1st and then move into the x-pen.
a) a crate might comfort him, because it's small and is an enclosed area and he will feel safer in there alone and by himself.
2. Put something in there for him to chew on and keep him busy while you are away. (no food or water)

Personally, I would use both, until he learns the appropriate things he can chew on. The crate will provide security and a means to learn to hold his potty and the x-pen will keep him away from walls and cabinets and all things inappropriate to chew on.