Be sure that your baby also has adequate play time, exercise and time out of the crate. Some people keep the crates in the bedroom when they sleep. Some people keep the crate where the puppy can see the humans.
Also, you might consider using an exercise pen.
For Lucy, I started with the crate. She fussed a whole lot. So, I gave in and purchased an IRIS exercise pen. It's like 30x30". I covered the floor of the pen with pads. She had a nice snoozer bed and toys with her. The pen was kept in my bedroom next to my bed. I only closed it up recently. Lucy is now 8 months.
For potty training, I put Lucy on a very disciplined food schedule. I watched what she ate and drank during the day. Eventually, I was able to successfully take her outside to go. (If you're going to be gone for an extended period, you can take up the food but leave the water.)
Once I was fairly successful with the pen, I began to let Lucy sleep with me. I have pet stairs next to my bed. At the base of the stairs is a pad. Most of the time, Lucy waits for me to get up to go out. Just this a.m., however, I got up and got my "walking coffee" and Lucy had piddled on the pad. So, accidents still do happen.
Now, there's another consideration for boys as well (I had both male/female yorkies.) Males can start to lift their legs and mark when they hit puberty. To avoid this, many people suggest having your baby neutered early. My male was neutered early and always squatted to go. That may or may not happen. There is much discussion about this topic here on prior threads.
Good luck.
Tracey |