Just curious...What is an X pen? I use a regular size crate right now, and I have tried a play pen (it can be made into a square or rectangle shape). Both have been an issue for my 11 month old yorkie. At first I tried the crate; but I felt guilty leaving him in such a small space...I then tried the pen. I put his bed, open crate, toys and even tried a pee pad. I would come home and the pee pad would be torn to shreads. I even tried anchoring it down. The pen is big and I figured he would be happy with so much space!!
Basically NOTHING I have tried has worked. He won't go outside consistently (I taught him to ring a bell and he does it sometimes, and then other times he will go right in front of me), won't use a pee pad and eats the pellets in a litter box (even when sprayed with bitter apple spray). He now is back to the regular size crate and he does hold it all day, but will go at night. Also he is up EVERY night. Last night he was up at 2am and then every hour after that. I am at my wits end, and I have not slept for more than 5 hours a night in 7 months since I got him. I have to put his crate closer to my room so the neighboors don't hear him bark; but then I hear him so LOUD. I try to ignore it; but then I can't sleep. I want to give him more freedom with a "play pen"; but I know he will just pee all over it, and like I said, he shreads the pee pad.
I have asked around a lot for advice, and all of it is really good; but it does not work on my dog. The crate is only one problem I'm having...I could go on and on about his behavior (not listening), chewing, etc... Does anyone have any idea what I should do? This is my first dog, and I'm sure a lot of it is my fault; but the advice that I have recieved and tried to use is from previous dog owners. It should be working. I am having people over soon and I'm embarrased of all of the gates I have up in my house because he can't be trusted! I feel like I will have to hold him the entire time because he will be up to no good!!! Help! |