I recently brought home a 2 month old English Cocker Spaniel only to be told by my mum that she doesn't want the dog. I have since brought it to my friends place. But the thing is now theres noone at her apartment to look after the dog for most of the day. We've had to leave him in his crate for the whole day and when we return during the nite we try as hard as we can to makeup for the time hes spent in the crate by walking / running him etc before putting him back in the crate for the nite. Any idea with such a schedule on our hands what would be the most effective techniques we could use to housebreak him esp with regard to toilet trg. Being in the crate most of the day he does it in his crate. Also we can't help but feel bad that hes there all day. But we can't let him roam around yet. We tried that once and the house was an absolute mess when we returned. I really don't want him to be unhappy but neither am i willing to give him away without trying my best.

You're really between a rock and a hard place!

Being crated all day and all night is not a humane option for an 8 week old puppy, let alone an adult dog. The puppy needs interaction and socialization and exercise, and there is no way he can get that in the situation you describe, whether he is crated most of the time OR has the run of the house.

The most compassionate, humane thing you can do for this puppy is to find him a proper home.

Very true. If you keep this dog it will likely have problems as it matures. The dog needs socialization and exercise and being crated this long will make this impossible.
I agree with JParker. Find a good home for this pup. Any one can make a mistake by taking on a pup that they don't have the time for. The key is to recognize the mistake and do the right thing by finding a good home. Good luck to you.

Oh dear. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> That's rough.

Take this as a hard lesson to yourself to never, ever take in any animal without the agreement of all who have to live in contact with it or who own the place you are staying in.

Can you return your pup to the breeder? If that's at all possible, please do so without any delay. Otherwise, advertise in the papers and at the humane society for a new home. Do not let your pup go for free -- that attracts irresponsible (thoughtless) or criminal-minded people -- and interview any respondents to make sure that they really can take care of the pup.

In the meantime, get a petsitter to come in once or twice during the day to play with the pup They're not exactly cheap, running about 10-15 dollars per half hour but they're worth it.

And be sure to keep up on the vet's appointments, shots, worming, vitamins and all, keep it well groomed (cocker spaniels aren't too bad but you have to be diligent)and there are many training books that will allow you to put the foundation of obedience (strict obedience is good for no puppy, but all of them can readily learn basic manners)so that you can start letting it out in the evenings.

And finally, have you considered getting a baby gate or pen panels and fencing off a designated area of the house? It'll allow for more space.

By not letting this puppy go (even if you tried) you are making him suffer. Please let a proper home adopt the puppy.

That is definetly the best option.