[murraysmom]

Betsy and many others use a modified techinque of putting a crate inside an xpen. This gives the dog more space than a crate but still confines them.

.[/b]

That's what I've always done when forced to leave a pup for a long period of time- they can still use their crate with a nice comfy blanket to sleep in, but can leave the crate to pee and poop on papers. I've found that leaving a stuffed kong will help alleviate boredom.If the kong is given only when the pup is left alone, it becomes a special treat and takes away some of the stress from being left alone-

Mike, as usual, has given alot of great advice and food for thought-