[FSUZeta]

yes, yes, yes to the crate. get one large enough that they dog can grow into-some people suggest partioning off the unneeded extra space in the crate, because some dogs will go potty in a large crate if there is enough room for the pup to get away from the mess. something like a piece of acrylic with holes drilled in the corners thru which you can run a plastic tie to attach to the crate would work fine. oh, and get the wire crate-it allows more air circulation.

when you take the puppy out to potty, walk him to the area of the yard where you want him to potty, and actually tell him to potty. just a simple "go potty." don't play with the puppy until it potties. you want the dog to know that it is business first. when it potties, praise him-something like "good potty". then it is playtime.

always potty after the puppy eats and before you put the puppy back in the crate.

we found that at first we had to use a lightweight bedsheet to cover the crate because the puppy would protest everytime he was put up. after a while the pup was used to the crate and we did not need to use the sheet anymore.

repetition, patience and a schedule are key. there are many books on puppy care that would be helpful.

the puppy may not know at first to protect his eyes if the cat takes a swipe at him, so you need to closely supervise their interaction for a while. hopefully, they will become the best of friends-one of our cats loves the dog and mama cat does not.