Crate training is definitely the easiest way to house break.... I did this with my girl and she was trained in several months. I too work during the day, from 7:00 to 3:00, and while I'm gone, Harley is crated. I do not see this as being cruel. She's quite comfortable in her crate and the second I get home, she's out for the rest of the evening and now sleeps with us since she's older. If anything, I think I'm protecting her during the day by crating. When I go to work, I know she as well as the rest of my house is safe. Once she gets a little older, I plan on letting her have free roam. But for right now, the crate is her haven and she loves it. Also, puppies sleep A LOT when they're young, so letting them snuggle up in "their" safe place is not a bad thing. Thats JMO, and I know some will disagree, but crating mine is what works for us, and she doesn't miss out on any love because of it.
__________________ *---*~<3 Harley...aka...mama's sweet sweet ~*---* |