You might try keeping the crate in your room next to the bed. I have my puppy Gidget's crate on top of a large wicker crate so it is level with me bed. She can see me and we go to bed about the same time. She never barks or whimpers when I am there. She has not had any accidents in her crate. I used to set my alarm for 3 am and take her to her potty place, but then I stopped. Lately she wakes me up at 5 AM with a whine and she immediately goes potty in her potty place when I let her out and then goes back to the crate and sleeps a bit more. I am convinced this has gone so smoothly because she is in my room.
During the day, when she is not running around with me, I have two large xpen type areas. I leave her crate in the corners of which ever pen I am using. I have a potty area set up, her toys, and food and water. I leave the door to her crate open when it is in an xpen. I usually find her sleeping inside her crate with the door open. |