The crate can have a wire shelf that can have a covering over it, but not bedding in the bottom of the crate that can become wet and soiled and also chewed by the puppy.
The chewed up mess could choke him. The puppy should be put in his crate at night and let out in the morning, in a very consistent manner.
The first thing to do in the morning when you let the puppy out is to show him the right place to potty, such as a grassy spot or an indoor mat made for this purpose.
Encourage the dog verbally in a nice gentle tone. Do this repeatedly. When he remembers the right place to potty reward him with puppy treats and verbal praise.
Keep a constant watch on your dog and try to catch his accidents and intervene, showing him the right place each time. Try not to miss a single time.
The better you keep after your dog the sooner he will have no accidents and be trained.
If the dog obeys your command to potty at all reward him with extra love and attention and a little treat, he needs this to get it right.
If your dog can’t go when he first gets up, take him indoors, feed him and give him something to drink.
(If you are using a special mat for indoor training, keep it separate from the feeding area.) Then take him to the proper place you have chosen for him to potty and try again.
A young puppy will have to go right after he eats. This will take some time, most decidedly, after all he is a baby and you cannot do this in one day.
Each day for weeks you should watch your dog the same way as you did on the first day. It won’t be that long before you know your dog “knows” to potty at the right place at all times.
