I like the setup of a crate w/ an open door or the door removed completely (no bedding as they'll just pee on it) and a small area of an x-pen set up in front of the crate so that they walk out of their crate, they're IN the x-pen.
The whole floor area of the x-pen has chucks down or puppy pads.
I only use this for night time though for puppies. During the day, they're with me so I can just take them out to potty on a schedule. If we go outside and they don't potty and it's not because they were distracted, then I'll put them in their crate (door closed) and wait another 15-20 (depending on the dog) and take them back outside to potty and when they do they gain their freedom for awhile until it's time to go out again. You just have to watch them like a hawk. The more active they are, the more often they'll have to go.
I should also mention that all of my dogs are fed and watered on a schedule. |