Congrats on the new puppy and for asking questions ahead of time!
We did not crate train our puppy (she was only 7 weeks when we got her, I know way too young, the breeder lied to us, long story!), but instead use a play pen (made for puppies),
Pet Gear Medium Soft Puppy Playpen Pink Ice - Dog Fence Plus
In it she has her bed, water dish, potty pad and some toys. Other than the first night, she has slept through the night every night. Untill recently she would wake up and go potty a couple times during the night (right on her pad from the begining!). Now she only goes once or sometimes holds it till morning. And she almost never pooped inside it, waits to go outside.
She also stays in the play pen during the day when we are gone. She may be getting a little too big for it soon (15 weeks old now), so we will switch to giving her the kitchen or another area gated off. But I think the play pen has worked great! It is what the breeder and a friend of mine recommended.
Good luck!
Good luck!
