Just GO ALREADY!

[Christy&Riley]

Another evening of let's see how mad I can make my mom or dad before bed. Take her out for last potty break and Riley just wants to eat things. Then FINALLY she drops her rear as if to go then starts wandering again. This happened several times before I dragged her in straight to the crate. I put some water in her bowl, shut the door and got ready for bed. I come out and there is water all over in the crate. Usually she drinks it all before flipping it but apparently not this time. And as I sit here she is banging the thing around. Hate to leave her without water but it looks like she is having a temper tantrum. If she would have just gone she could have roamed the house all night. Not a peaceful way to end my night. Urrr...

[Brittney & Cally]

So sorry you had to end your night this way. At least she is on her crate and can not cause any more trouble this evening'

[Stephanie and Ragley]

That is frustrating. I just gathered Ragley in from the yard after about ten minutes of chasing while not actually "chasing" her and looking like a fool and sing-songing to her to come to go back in for bedtime. I just try to take it as a humbling reminder that we still have a LONG way to go on training. I'm sorry you had a bad end to your night :(

[Julie and Max]

Sorry you had a bad end to your night, these dudes sure have a mind of their own sometimes. :(

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

What we do a lot of time at night or if it is really wet out is we take them out on leash for that last potty.  Keeps them focused so they don't wander and want to play.  Also, no real reason that you need to put water in the crate.  If you feel the need though you could use a heavier bowl so she can't tip it.  

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I always used a long leash at night and during the night to 'focus' puppies on the job at hand. I didn't put water in their crates either during the night but I believe you can get a water dispenser and attach to sides of the crate instead of a bowl. If a puppy is straining or crouching and not doing the business I would be a little concerned that there was a problem.

[Jennifer and Lily]

If she is just trying to eat things, that sure is annoying! I taught Lily to go potty on command, mostly for before bed or if we are going in a long car ride. But if she is straining and crouching multiple times, I would rule out a bladder infection. I know Lily has one when she crouches a lot with little or no peeing.

[Marie and Hoka]

I definitely put them on a long leash when they are only out there for business… this is the only time I use the retractable leash. I don't give water in the crate overnight either… If they are small enough to go out during the night, then they can get a drink while toilleting. 

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

What might help you to focus  Riley is when she is pooping or peeing say "good girl you go poopies" or "good girl you go peepies"   I did this with both my doodles and after a week or so when you bring them out you say go poopies or peepies so they know what you want them to do.  Even though I have a fenced in yard I still put them on a leash to keep them focused.  I would always pick up the water at about 8 pm and let them out between 10 and 10:30 pm.  I never had one accident at night.  Try different things... you just have to find what works for you and Riley...

[Marni and Hanna]

Hanna goes out on a leash too--gets her to focus so she doesnt think its playtime.  Also, if there are critters (skunks!) sneaking thru the yard at that time, she cant chase them !

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Enzo is leashed for potty outings in the yard. Especially at night. Coyotes, being the number one reason, but I also don't want her strolling, sniffing, wandering.....she " goes" on command....best command taught ever!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Gordie goes on command, Clancy goes on command, but Nedderbutter - nope!

[Christy&Riley]

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better. Our trainer did so well training her without treats that I've been trying to follow suit. But this morning I resorted to treating her to give some incentive to obey. I also got her to finally drop it on command by using a treat. That's a big step for us. :-)