Crate training is not a bad thing to do, so don't feel guilty. I know its tough. I really didn't think it was a "nice" thing to do in the beginning, but honestly, the dogs do like the crates. It becomes their safe haven, and now Chloe will go in her crate during the day on her own if she is tired when I am home and doing other things. I usually put her in there with a water bowl, her food, and her kong with a special treat that she only gets when she goes in the crate. I do have her in a larger crate, one for a 40lb dog, but I put two nice crate pillows in there, and then with the food and water dish, there is no place to pee. 3.5 hours is fine in the beginning. I put her in for about 4hours, come home at lunch, then back in till I get home. Chloe sleeps in my room at night, she has her own bed, and I put a pee pad on the floor just in case she doesn't wake me up. She is outdoor trained, but will use a pee pad if she needs to. I wouldn't leave your dog in a room alone for bedtime. They like to be in the same room as you when you are home. Again, just don't feel guilty about the crate, its good for their safety too! |