Night time potty

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Gibbs will be 5 months old on the 9th of February. We work so he spends time alone during the day in his crate. My husband comes home noonish and lets him out for a potty break and stretch of the legs. Our issues with Gibbs is that he is getting us up between midnight and 2:00 a.m. for a potty break. Gibbs goes to bed around 10:30 - 11:00 and potty's right before bedtime. Last night he went out to potty and then walks around for a while, finds a stick and lays down at 2:00 a.m. to chew a stick. Any suggestions on how to break the going to bed and getting up 2 - 3 hours later for a potty break.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Do you remove his water a couple hours before bedtime? 

[Doris]

I haven't had a puppy in a long time. . . .but I would take him out on a leash, let him potty and go right back in to bed.  It is not play time! I would also pick up his water dish as Stephanie has said. You need your sleep!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I third picking up water. We pick Enzo's water around 7pm.

[Jen & Hudson]

I pick up Hudson's water around 8pm. He's 15 weeks old and goes to bed in his crate at 8:30-9pm and sleeps all the way through to 6:30am. Ironically, it's my older yorkie who wakes everyone up in the morning to pee. When I used to let him out at 2am it for a quick pee and then right back in the crate.

[Leslie J]

I would take him outside on a leash during the night. Walk him to a spot where he likes to go, and then bring him back in. If he really needs to go, he'll go right away. Otherwise, he's just bored and wants some entertainment. I think most dogs can make it through the night by 5 months.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Thanks for the advice, we need to change our evening routine. The four dogs really like playing chase late in the evening but they know when they come in they can have as much as they want to drink because they aren't going back out until 6:30 when doggie door is open. I've been a so I've been hesistant to take water away afraid that he might really be thirsty and get dehydrated. We will have to move playtime earlier in the evening.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good idea. I never took the water up and all was well. But I do now because I put gel or liquid on the dogs teeth before I go to bed and I want it to have a chance to work.

[Jennifer and Jack]

F are you still using Petzlife ? Are you putting that on every night???? I bet their teeth look great!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

No, I stopped after Calla had to have a dental because although the tartar looked better but her gums were not good. Since I would love to not have her have another dental I do her every night. But the gums are not as good now as they were when first done. I have been using several different things all with chlorhexidine. It helps with her breath and her teeth. I hope I can keep the gums under control. It's genetic I am sure. I do Luca every other night and his gums have been fine.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

What do you use on your dog's teeth at night? We have 3 other dogs and I've been using the Virbac C.E.T. HEXtra, C.E.T. VeggieDent chews, I also use Nylabone Foaming Tarter Remover. February is dental cleaning month and two of the Westie's are in need of a dental cleaning. Would like to get them on a good program and get away from professional cleaning. Thanks!

[Jennifer and Jack]

He probably is sleeping a lot during the day and is bored and looking for something to do in the middle of the night....Jack will do this and actually also chew a stick if he hasn't had enough exercise for a few days....I have had excellent results with a good walk right before bed.......it isn't my fav thing to do but the pay off is he got all his energy out and will sleep!for the night.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I think you are probably right, I've noticed on the nights that we have played ball outside for about an hour he comes in really exhausted and gets a big ole drink, but sleeps all night long. Looking forward to warmer weather! We are having a Super Bowl gathering tonight, so I know he will be totally exhausted when everyone leaves. He will be one busy body checking everyone out.