Cataholic - First of all let me say congratulations on being a dog mommy!! I haven't read the story about how you acquired Binx but certainly intend to! I am in amazement as I am reading that this little(?) guy (haha!) is housebroken at 5.5 weeks and also wondering how he came to live with you at such an early age. Am I misinterpreting this? Do you mean he has been with you 5.5 weeks, rather than being just 5.5 weeks old? (I must be, because he should still be with Mama if he's that young). Guess I'll have to go back and read his story! Also....he never gets into anything????? Gosh I am going to have to bring Bella to the computer to read this post in a minute! haha! She will be ashamed!

I am not an expert but have used crate training in the past at the suggestion the breeders from whom I got my dogs. The main reason for this was as a housebreaking aid. Once they got that mastered, since they were used to the crate, it was a good place to keep them while Mommy and/or Daddy was away so they didn't chew up everything in sight. Bella was only crated for 4 hrs. at a time and it did help tremendously with the housetraining. It took her much longer to be 'trustworthy' around the house (we still don't trust her around the bathroom trash can - she loves tissues - used or not! ) but eventually she proved herself and the crate has been relegated to the basement where other useless things live, for almost 2 years now.

In the case of Binx - I say don't worry about a crate! If he is truly potty trained and trustworthy there is no need. Go for it! Binx you are totally amazing to me! Now on to read your story!!!