If your pup is sleeping in his crate at night, I would not keep him there during the day. No dog should be kept in a crate for 8 hours or more during the day.
I would stick with the xpen or gate off a safe, easy to clean room in your home. For the potty pads, try a pad holder (available at pet stores, Walmart, and online), or try washable pads (if you use these, be sure to spray with the dog attracting scent also available at pet stores).
Provide plenty of safe toys, and maybe turn on some relaxing music or the tv to distract your pup. Your pup will settle into the routine in time. |