[patcowden]

Hi Everyone!
I am new to this forum and could use some advice from all you experienced Yorkie owners out there! We are the new parents of a 7 week old male Yorkie. We have named him Baxter. We have had him for 2 nights now. The first night was pretty good. I got him a small crate for the second night. I put him in it when we went to bed. I knew he would whine a lot, so that wasn't a surprise. We got up and let him go potty a couple of times during the night, but he still made messes in his crate. I had to give him a bath in the morning. I need to add that he came from a private breeder and not a pet store, so he is not used to sleeping in the same cage as his bathroom. I have blocked off part of my bathroom for him to be in during the day while we are working and put down pads for him to use. My question is, should I continue to crate him at night or just put him in the bathroom with the crate door open. There is really nothing that he can damage in there. I want him to feel comfortable when I do need to crate him, but he seems really traumatized this morning. Also, what should I line the crate with. I don't want to use the puppy pads because I only want him to use those for elimination and I am afraid it would mix him up. I can't use a towel, because his little claws get caught in the loops. what did you all do? I don't have a problem with him sleeping with us, but he is so little I am afraid we will hurt him at this point. I could use some tried and true advice. I had a Yorkie several years ago and made the mistake of not training him properly and he was a nightmare! I want to make sure I do it right this time. I want a well behaved dog! Thanks for any advice,
Pat