We just got our boston for christmas. Since then he has not been alone for more than an hour or 2 at the most. Tomorrow will be the first day that he will be alone for 7 hours. I really would feel more comforable leaving him in his crate for the day but feel bad about it. Was also thinking of leaving him in the bathroom with his crate open in there. Then he could mess, get a drink and sleep in his crate. Am I starting a bad habit?? Please provide some advice.

Congratulations on the new puppy - we'll be diligently awaiting the pictures! :wink:

First, let me tell you that you're in for some hard work. More than likely, it's going to be a struggle for the first few months until your puppy is fully potty trained. The BEST thing you can do to aid in the training process is to CONSISTENTLY confine your puppy to his/her crate and it should only have enough room to stand up and turn around.

I also thought that it seemed cruel to cage a puppy all day, but it actually isn't - it allows the puppy to feel more secure, not to mention it provides you with peace of mind knowing that the dog won't be chewing on anything it isn't supposed to.

Your puppy is going to have accidents in the crate, but he will eventually conclude that he doesn't particularly enjoy laying in his own waste, so he'll begin to hold it until you bring him outside. As soon as your puppy uses the bathroom outside, you must praise him lavishly to reinforce this positive behavior.

Keep that regimen up for six months or so and you'll have the best trained dog on the block. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

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Boston Terrier Forums

Thanks for the advice. Seeing how this is the only week of the month (my husband works shifts) that Flex will be alone I am going to try the bathroom way and the crate all day way. See which works best. Flex is getting really good with the outside. Its us we are a little laxed. Not quite used to having a puppy. We are getting better every date. :o

Flex is an excellent pup. He was the runt so likes to be held tons. He sleeps alot and can't wait to get into a lap to get to sleep. he is meshing with our family very well. We love him.

Here is a pic.