Just crate or crate and x-pen when away?

[TonkaTruck28]

I think I found the right forum this time! I had another question I would like to hear everyone's wisdom on. I will be going back to work tomorrow after a week and a half off with my new baby. Each day I have been leaving him alone for an hour or two at a time in his crate/x-pen combo so he can sleep but has room to walk around, get his water and play with some toys. I have also put a little fake grass pee contraption in there which he has actually used a few times while I've been gone without any coaxing. I normally leave this all open for him when I am home and he goes in and out freely. He is also
fed in his xpen as I thought this might help him think of it as his own space. Anyways, tomorrow he will be alone for about 6 hours and I wanted to ask your opinions on continuing with what I have been doing vs. Strictly crating him, which is what I do at night. I don't want to be counterproductive to his potty training but I know it's unrealistic to expect him to hold it that long. Sorry I am so long winded, but any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Davidh]

You can do either, we have done that with pups before and when they get bigger just used the crates. So what ever works for you is fine, I have done it both ways. Plus when you do crate only, leave their water in their crate also, so he can have water 24/7.

 

[izstigspunks]

I had the same setup with Stig, who's now two years old. He's still paper trained and would go in his pen if he needs to pee when no one's home. We don't mind cleaning up. We set it up so there's vinyl flooring where his x-pen is so it's waterproof.

 

[ChanelnBrutus]

Once he is able to hold it longer it will be easier but you have the right idea with the x-pen combo b/c he wont get used to doing potty in the crate and he has a designated area until he doesnt need it anymore! We did the same for Brutus if we had to leave for a little b/c I didnt want him to potty in the crate and sit in it!

 

[2BullyMama]

hello and welcome to the site! How old is Tonka?

 

[kazzy220]

I like the crate x-pen idea .. give it a try. If it doesn't work then you can always go on to just using the crate!!