Answers to a couple of the questions....yes I have a pen, small to medium size. I started out putting her in there with pee pad and few toys. She barked constantly to get out and then started missing the pad entirely. The first three nights were sleepless! I then bought the crate and put her in for 20-30 min after feeding...took her out to the pad. Sometimes she went, other times she just looked at me. When she does go I praise her profusely....to the point that I'm embarrassing myself
I have had her in a small crate at night though sitting on my bed. At least I can sleep now....but she has peed both nights and pooped last night. I put her on the pad as late at 1am and up at 7 so a 6 hr timeframe.
I totally get the need for time and patience.....I just want to be doing it the right way as to not be confusing Maddie. And I'm sure she will develope a pattern that I need to pick up on.