[sims822257]

Hello,
I have a 4 pound 6 1/2 month old boy Yorkie who has been neutered and was doing very well with potty training until about 2 weeks ago. I have no clue what changed his mind and I have tried to think of everything. I have been keeping him locked up in an X-Pen during the day when I am at work. We were able to rig the X-Pen up against the doggie door and taught him to go out the door when he needed to go potty. (I have attached a picture to show you). My problem is this: He has now decided he does not want to potty outside any more. I have read tons on crate training and all things point to it being a very positive thing because it teaches them to hold their bladder and to go potty when you tell them to not when they want to. Therefore today I have decided to take charge and start crating him while I am at work. I will be able to come home and let him out every 4 hours so hopefully he will learn to hold it. I would appreciate any suggestions on this tactic because as much as I feel bad for locking him up I think it is best for me and him in the long run. I do not want to be a person who has a dog that pees and poops anywhere they want. I want to be able to enjoy my dog and have him well trained. I think now he thinks he is the ruler of the house and I know that is my fault at this point.

Also can anyone tell me who did this how long it took for their puppy to learn to hold it or become potty trained? I know he is still a baby but I was just curious how long I should or would have to keep this up.