To crate or not to crate?

[LouisLove]

So, we've had Louis Bear for a little over a year now and he has been crate trained. So far I have been the only one at home since we've gotten him, but now our schedules are going to change, as of next week, and I plan on getting a part time job after school.

I just got back form a 30 minute jog and I tried leaving him out. I closed all the doors except the ones that is basically my hubby and my ( and Louis) "apartment" (we live with my in-laws) and found some poop in the kitchen, he was waiting for me by the door shaking a little and didnt use his pee-pad upstairs he will not use a pee pad if it is downstairs. He always runs up to use it but I guess this time he was scared. Now I am freaking out.....

My question (concern) is- should I leave him in his crate for over 6 hours or let him out until I come home?

[Yorkiekids]

Six hours is a long time. I'd gate him off in the kitchen, or a bathroom, so he'd have some room to romp.

[yorkieusa]

I've never used crates. I've always gated just while they are puppies to keep them safe as well as my floors. I've always managed to housebreak them very quickly, too. I suppose it depends on each person's individual situation as well.

[LouisLove]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

I've never used crates. I've always gated just while they are puppies to keep them safe as well as my floors. I've always managed to housebreak them very quickly, too. I suppose it depends on each person's individual situation as well.

I've tried this and he jumps the gate or if left upstairs with the door closed he will scratch it until the paint comes off, it isnt our house.. you know?

[yorkieusa]

They are little climbers. That's for sure. I've never had trouble with mine doing that, but I know plenty of people who have! Perhaps you could get a big crate. I know I've seen them. I always just watched them like hawks until they were housebroken. P.S. I take mine with me and go for walks instead of jogging. Perhaps you could try to include him in your activities more, so that he could get out and empty up?

[LouisLove]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

They are little climbers. That's for sure. I've never had trouble with mine doing that, but I know plenty of people who have! Perhaps you could get a big crate. I know I've seen them. I always just watched them like hawks until they were housebroken. P.S. I take mine with me and go for walks instead of jogging. Perhaps you could try to include him in your activities more, so that he could get out and empty up?

LOL! I know that sounded horrible that I left him, he is a little sick right now so I didnt take him with me. I usually do, trust me I know better I took advantage of this to see how he would do with me gone and him alone for a few minutes. Plus he had just pooped, maybe he is an anxiety pooper lol!!! I dont know it's always something with us.

I'm open to any suggestions, I will look into getting a bigger crate, that sounds like something we would be intersted in doing.. I just wonder where in the world I could put it.. hmmmmm it seems doable though Thanks for the idea!!!

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by LouisLove

LOL! I know that sounded horrible that I left him, he is a little sick right now so I didnt take him with me. I usually do, trust me I know better I took advantage of this to see how he would do with me gone and him alone for a few minutes. Plus he had just pooped, maybe he is an anxiety pooper lol!!! I dont know it's always something with us.

I'm open to any suggestions, I will look into getting a bigger crate, that sounds like something we would be intersted in doing.. I just wonder where in the world I could put it.. hmmmmm it seems doable though Thanks for the idea!!!

I wasn't saying you were bad! I was just trying to get him out more to empty up. When they're puppies, it seems like they go all of the time. It gets better! I've seen some really big crates and they have room to play or whatever. I don't know that it's a good idea or not, because as I said I've never crate trained. Some yorkies you can't crate train anyway. So, there you go!

[LouisLove]

He is very well crate trained and had very few accidents as a puppy, Im sure this was a seperation anxiety thing. I have worked my way up to 30 minutes in the past few weeks, this was his first accident since two weeks on being alone in the house. Thanks for your input

[lara2913]

I have never crated, i'm not against them as they can be very useful for people who have destructive dogs however unless absolutly nessasary I prefer not to. Thats a very long time to crate him for, i'd invest in a playpen or dog proof one room and leave him in there.

[Superstarkba]

Is there a bathrroom or small room that you can lock him in thats easy to clean up any messes left behind?

[JPop & Taz 2]

I've had to double up on the baby gates, meaning put one on top of the other, to keep my little jumper at bay. This may work for you if you don't have room for a bigger crate.

[LouisLove]

Originally Posted by Superstarkba

Is there a bathrroom or small room that you can lock him in thats easy to clean up any messes left behind?

We have one bathroom where we are upstairs in our area, but its way too small. I could look into that as well though. Thanks for the help!

[LouisLove]

Originally Posted by JPop & Taz 2

I've had to double up on the baby gates, meaning put one on top of the other, to keep my little jumper at bay. This may work for you if you don't have room for a bigger crate.

I am actually considering this. Our Bear is 10'' tall (not including the head) he has longer legs, he can jump a little over 3' high when in full throttle and just undr 2' out of no where! this is not a great trait when you are trying to confine him to a certain area. This would most likely be our best bet since we have little to no space for a big play pen. remember we live with my in-laws and the bonus room we occupy is all occupied

Thanks for the advice and tips!!!