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Thanks for the response! I work during the day and I have been told that crate training is a must. Are there any alternatives?
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I don't crate train--I have two Maltese (one 18 months, one 16 weeks) and an older Chihuahua mix, and they all have free run of the house (it's puppyproofed). Luckily, our pup Shrek came to use housetrained (Yay!).
Although I haven't done this with Sylphide and Shrek, but used to use this method when I did rescue (I rescued and fostered pregnant mothers and entire litters): baby/pet gating is an alternative to crating (you keep the puppy confined to a gated area while you are gone). That way, the pup has more room to move around and play in the day. Of course, you'd want to put a bed, food and water, and lots of toys in the gated area.
If you are using wee-wee pads: there is a housebreaking spray that you can spray on the pad to make them want to go on the pad. It works great.
Welcome from Sylphide, Shrek and I. We look forward to your stories and photos