[deejay30]

I just got adopted a young dog and after her second "accident" on the bed, I realized I will have to get her crate trained. I have checked a lot of the sites and gotten good information but have a few questions.

Crating while I am away at work seems unlikely. I am gone for 10 hours on a typical shift. I might be able to get my roommates to help and let them out during the day, but only once or twice. The max should be 8 hours with breaks correct?

Is crating at night while I am asleep effective? I wouldn't have a problem waking up after a few hours to take her out.

Should I have food in water in the crate? I have seen some that say I should and some say only water. If so is the hamster water bottle a good idea?

How long should I stringently crate the dog? Will it be something that I have to do on a regular basis to keep her in the habit? Or is there a time when she gets the idea and will want people to let her out rather than go on the floor or my bed?

I have an older dog as well, he doesn't need crating. Should the crating be done away from him so she doesn't think she is being punished since he hasn't needed crating(no problems as long as he is walked daily)?

thanks

[Poohbear]

First, how young is your dog. After that, we can say how long in the crate that said dog should be.
You should make sure that said dog is house trained when you are home. It wouldn't matter if you have another dog, as long as said other dog, doesn't pee/poop in the house also.
You can have the dog crated in the day, but with a break, half way through your 10 hour day, but I would make sure it has at least 3 to 4 hours before night time crating.
I have a JRT who will be 8 years, and she still goes in her crate every night. If not, she poos somewhere.
My GSD, was out of his crate and never again, at 6 months old, and he has not done anything. It depends on the dog.
Good Luck!
And ask for more help if you have problems!

[deejay30]

She is about 8 months I think.

I got her from someone who believes she was around 6 when they got her, I have had her for two months.

I might be able to get a roomie to let her out during the day, if either of their schedules match. I can't do it myself, there is too much a chance I wouldn't get back to work on time. there is also a chance that I will be gone longer if I start commuting.

If all else fails I will try doing it at night. Waking up to take her out at after 4hours.