[Deeni]

Hi, I was wondering how long a crate was necessary for potty training. Do the dogs eventually learn how to hold it and then the crate will not be needed?

I ask because I have a 1 y/o Yorkie who has accidents every night unless I crate him. I have been gating him off in the kitchen while I am at work but I have come home to an accident every day. Well, today I tried putting him in his crate and viola...no accident (only in there about 4 hours)!

So will the crate be necessary his whole life? Or just until he learns how to hold it? Shouldn't he have learned that by now though?? I am bummed because I always wanted him to eventually sleep in a cute doggy bed and have the run of the house while I am at work. I hate keeping him crated so much.

Anyway, thanks for any info!!!