i did crate training with my first dog and it seemed to take forever and even now he still marks on things. its very annoying.
so this time around i didnt do that. no crate. she was on the bed the night we got her at 9 weeks.. she slept through the night. I took her to potty on the pad in the mornig when she wakes up and about every 2 or 3 hours after that... mainly after
naps or
a roudy play session or
eating alot and
before bed. it seems they go like clockwork after these things. oh and I also praise her like crazy and give her a nice little treat. anyway, its been 2 weeks and she is about 80% potty trained. she never pees on anything except the pad. I dont need to take her myself anymore. only before bed. as far as pooping goes.. she has just got the hang of it and it is just so awesome to see her taking the long walk to the potty pad to go take a poop or pee. i am like yesssss!!!
i too think the crate is kinda mean... so im glad not using it is working.