[Martini1]

I have an 8 week old Cocker Spaniel. I plan to crate train him. The problem I am facing, on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday I will have to leave him alone for 4 hours. I have read that an 8 week puppy can't hold their bladder longer than 3 hours. But there is no one available to come let him out while I am gone. I don't know if I should confine him to the bathroom with paper down, because I don't want to confuse him while crate training him. I thought about putting his crate in the bathroom with him while I was gone. Can somebody help me out? Will I be disrupting the crate training process by putting him in the bathroom for the four hours I am gone? Or should I leave him in his crate?

 

[sherrymyra]

I think she will be ok. I have done the same for westies. I recall a couple of times that they did go in the crate. Overall it was ok, and worked out.

 

[FilleBelle]

I would probably put the dog in the bathroom. I guess I'd be concerned about teaching the dog to eliminate in the crate. I am by no means an expert, though...it's been years since I had a puppy!

 

[Martini1]

Thank You. I will just have to see how he does for the first few days in the crate.. And then go from there.