I have a 9 week old puppy. I use puppy pads in the house during the day because I have to work and there's no one home. She will pee on the pads but she won't poop on them. Instead she has picked a spot behind the TV to go. She can hold it all night long but when she's left during the day she won't go on the pads unless she has to pee. I've thought about getting a crate but they can get pretty expensive and take up too much space in my already cramped house. What should I do?
:confused:

Get a crate. How big of a dog is she? You should be able to pick up a 36'' Pet Porter for less than $80. A smaller one is fine for many dogs. You could pick up one that is right for her now, and hope for a garage sale find when she is bigger.

A nine week old is to too small to go all day. She needs a mid day meal, relief, and really some company. Do you have family or neighbors that could give her a break?

Watch your local newspaper. My puppy is 8 weeks old, and before he came home I watched the paper everyday. Finally I found a large crate advertised as "like new" for only $30. The best way to go! And a great find!