The X-Pen
An X-pen (or exercise pen) is a series of gates that snap together to become a sort of open-top cage that has a lot more room than a crate. Most trainers don't advocate using X-pens as a housetraining device unless you're going to put a crate inside of it and use a small area as a “potty spot” with a pee pad or newspaper.
However, that's not a permanent solution to housetraining because presumably you'll want your pup to only potty outside. X-pens are good for confinement in the same way that you'd use a baby gate – to restrict your dog to an area that can be easily cleaned in case of an accident.
The Ever Trusting Pee Pad
Pee pads are a staple for small dogs, those that live in apartments, or incontinent dogs. Essentially, these are the same pads that hospitals and nursing homes use for their bed-ridden patients, just packaged differently. Some pads come infused with a scent that attracts the puppy to the pad.
Pee pads can be very helpful, particularly for people who are unable to take a puppy out frequently. The pads encourage a puppy to use one place for elimination and can be moved close to the door that will be used to go out for bathroom duties. Over a period of time, the pad can be moved outside if your ultimate goal is to have your pup use a yard.
Here are a few times when choosing pee pads:
1) Look for a brand with the best liquid-retaining properties.
2) Choose a size large enough for your dog.
3) Look for a brand that locks in moisture to prevent tracking.
Fan Of The Pan?
A few years ago, litter boxes came into vogue for potty training small dogs, especially those that live in apartments. Litter boxes can be effective but some dogs would rather play in the litter or eat it instead of doing their business there.
However, some dogs will use the litter box appropriately, making potty duties very easy on an owner – just clean the box, add new litter, and you're done. These boxes tend to work well with dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds.
Look for a dog-specific box because cat boxes aren't tall enough for dogs, especially males that like to lift a leg. Using a litter box won't untrain your dog from going outside; it will just give him an option if he has a tiny bladder.
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