The puppy will only get a mixed message about pottying in the crate is it is locked in the same size area/crate that is used for sleeping. I tell buyers of my puppies to PLEASE do NOT let them have the run of the house when owners are away. There are way too many chances to be injured-furniture, cords, wooden moulding door frames or plaster off the walls and so on. There are other dangers on the thread that Pat started in one of the other categories on YT.
I start them at an early age-after weaning- in an X pen in the middle of the kitchen floor. So far, no complaints about them climbing over. I use wire folding pens that are 2 feet tall and 8-2 ft. section. I put their crate in that, along with wee pads, food, water, toys. kongs with peanut butter stuffed into the small end.
I have a friend who bought 2 pens and used the second one as a cover.. |