[redvalaria]

We use a very small crate for when Fergus is sleeping or has to be contained, but if he is going to be in it for longer than a few hours, I put up the playpen.

It was way cheaper than a X pen. I just went on Craigslist and found someone with a regular, baby folding travel playpen. They are just the right size for his bed, a few toys and a pee pad (which we eventually took out cause he can hold it now, and he likes to chew on them!).

I bought my Dad one too, when we kept his little bundle of Yorkie joy, and he uses it if they have to go out for longer than a few hours, too.

I probably paid $25 for mine, it folds up realy small and comes with a travel case if you have to take it with you (like, for hotels? friends houses?). Best money I ever spent.

But with regular crates the rule is "big enought to lay down, turn around, stand up" but no bigger, because that give them room to potty and then get away from it.