I use an x-pen, which is basically a play pen, but no bottom. I only use it for one dog who is not housebroken, and I use one when I have a dog that is in late term pregnancy or nursing pups, for their safety. I have always kept a carrier in my utility room with the door off. and I have a dog tent in my family room These are the "dens" of a couple of my chis and they go in there when they want to get away from it all. Don't think of a carrier/crate as confinement, because I guarantee you that once they are older, if they have access to it, the will voluntarily go to it. Their "den" is their place to feel safe. They LIKE it. The problem with x-pens and playpens is that they can not get into those when they want. I think it is important to "confine" a pup during housebreaking and while it is young, not only to help with housebreaking, but for their own safety as a big house can be dangerous to a little chi, but I also think it is important that they have a designated safe place or den...a small darkened area they can "hide away" in when they choose to (a pet carrier with the door off works great!) Marsha
----- Original Message ----- From: Tara To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2007 3:09 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] I purchased a puppy play pen.... Hi all! (Just to refesh everyone memory, I have Nino my 13 1/2 week old male chi, and Bella my 8 1/2 week old female chi.) I have heard so much about how crate training is essential in helping to potty train your puppies, and to give more supervision. The thing is I just can't put my lil babies into that little box! So in my mind, lol, I compromised with purchasing a puppy play pen. Now I know, its not a crate, but it makes ME feel better! So heres my questions.... Has anyone else in the group used a palypen instead of a crate? Will this give me the same effect as the crate? Can I use this play pen for both my pups? Can I still have them eat in the kitchen instead of the pen? I know I probably sound like the most in-experienced chihuahua / dog in general person, but I truely am! These Chi's are my first dogs ever! Any advice will be welcomed and appreciated! Thanks guys! Sincerely, Tara, Nino & Bella
