i'm a teacher, so i'm off for the summer now, but during the school year i kept tucker in the bathroom. i bought a baby gate and left him water, a puppy pad, and his crate. he's done really well with that. i was afraid to leave him in his crate all day b/c i couldn't come home at lunch. he goes outside when i'm home, but the pee pads work while i'm gone. sometimes he only uses them once or twice before i get home. this has worked for us, but i'm sure it all depends on your situation. i'm afraid he's going to be MAJOR spoiled this summer!