I started Jackson in a crate but he didn't spend very much time in it because I was home so often to watch him - but after about a month of being left in a crate while I left the home, I switched to the ex-pen. Bought him one of those and left him in there with a blanket, toys, etc (no pee pad because I was outdoor training) He never once had an accident in the pen. Then I started leaving him in my bedroom which has a baby gate in the door, no accidents there. By about 5 months, he was 100% trustworthy in the home while gone, however I still block him from the upstairs when I leave. It all depends on the dog. I know with Jackson he never had accidents while we weren't home because he just sleeps the whole time.... his accidents always happened while I WAS home, go figure. |