[DerbyLayne]

We have a crate that holds his doggy "house" (aka doggy carrier) and a pee pad right in front of it. He gets a few toys in his "house" and blankets and such.

We've been doing it this way since Derby came home to us and he's learned that way. He's now 4 months old. He never had an accident in his "house" ever, and has always used the pee pad when needed. Whether he's in there for a long time, or overnight, he knows how that he either a) wants to wait until we get home to go outside(or wake up whatever time it is) OR he uses the pee pad. His choice. If he's going to be in there during feeding then he'll get his dinner/water in there too.

You need a better set up for your pup.

Keep in mind we have a SMALL and I mean REALLY small apartment. The crate is big enough to hold a carrier, and a pee pad, but that's it. The carrier sticks out the back and we have half the crate attached to it with universal ties so that the other half of the crate sits out and is essentially where the pee pad goes. does this make sense? we had to make it work otherwise the carrier would only fit in the crate. had to make a little area for Derby and still be able to lock the crate when needed.