Crate training

[Nikki & Charlie]

Hi all,

I'm just curious about your experiences with crate training. I'm picking up my pup tomorrow and he's 8 weeks old so naturally I'm planning on crate training him. Originally I was planning to keep his crate open to an exercise pen so that he had extra room, but now I'm thinking that's not the best idea and I'll just keep him in the crate. I won't be leaving him in the crate for very long, 3-4 hours at most. I have a blanket and towel in there and a toy or two.

Any other suggestions? I'll be training him to pee outside but should I put a pee pad in there too? I'm very confused, hearing so many different things lol. I just want opinions from people who have the same breed!

Thanks :)

[Nikki & Charlie]

Thanks everyone for your input! Our first night with Charlie was very successful. He didn't cry at all and he didn't have an accident, however during the day he's been having constant accidents, which I know is normal - he IS still a baby after all. I'm going to buy a leash and collar today so I can start bringing him outside because trying to train him with the pee pads hasn't been too successful today. I've been reading different discussions on here and I'm thinking that just bringing him outside now is the best way to train him. Wish me luck!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good luck.

[Jaime + Oliver]

I also suggest that you start introducing the "Go Potty" or "Do Business" command every time he pees.  If you start this early you'll be able to have him eliminate on command.  I didn't believe it was possible, but it totally is! Congrats on your new baby!