[matese]

At 4 yo it will be difficult to start pad training. My boys prev. owner walked him and he was also pad trained. I leave a pad out for him all the time, there are times I need to be away 6 or 7 hours, he knows what the pad is for but chooses to wait until I come home, he prefers to potty out doors. Pads do have their advantages for rain and snow. If you have hard wood floor in your kitchen then that does present a problem, but crating causes a lot of stress especially if he doesn't like it. Diapers, belly bands is out of the question. Xpens and Iris pens are great for confining with enough room for bed, food, water, toys, walking and pads, 100% better then a crate.