Crate training and potty training

[Jodi Davis]

I need some advice.  We brought our second doodle, Miles home at 6 weeks old.  I now think we shouldn't have got him that young.  Miles is now 8 weeks old and he still pees in his crate every night and cries every hour while in his crate.  I'm ready to pull my hair out!  My 5 year old, Dugan was so easy to train.  I take water away from Miles at 7pm, place him in his crate at 11 and take him out to potty at 2am and 5am...  Should I be doing something different?   Thanks!!

[Malenie Piscetelli]

Every puppy is different. I brought mine home at 11 weeks old. What do you have in the crate.? You didn't make a mistake getting a 2nd puppy.

[Jodi Davis]

I just have his blanket and one nylabone in the crate...  I really love Miles..  He's so darn cute and I'm trying not to get discouraged, but it's hard.  I think I'm dwelling on it and I just have to remind myself how young he is and it will get better.  It breaks my heart to hear him cry and I'm going on little sleep myself lol

[Malenie Piscetelli]

Try to put on some music

[Jodi Davis]

I play soft music for him all night lol...  I just need some patience, I guess.  It's nice to be able to vent here and have some support!! :)

[Gail and Bailey]

Some folks think a blanket is not a good idea in the crate while they are training because it absorbs the pee and the pup can push it aside and still have clean space.  Miles will be fine without the blanket  until he is potty trained. Also...6 weeks is really young to leave the mom so it may take him a bit longer to "get it".  Maybe you could take him out to pee every 2 hours at night for a while.  Just carry him out let him pee and carry him right back to the crate...no talking or playing.  Is the crate next to your bed so you can put your hand right near him so he knows he is not alone?  If he is secure knowing you are right there (like his mom and litter mates were) then he will not cry.  Of course the Snuggle Pup is also a good idea for helping him not feel alone.  He is very cute and I am sure he will start learning from his big brother Dugan soon.  Hang in there!!

[Jodi Davis]

Thanks... maybe I will try without the blanket.  He does seem to push it aside...  He had a good day today with potty training...  I'm optimistic about tonight in the crate.. fingers crossed

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Good luck tonight!

[Jodi Davis]

thank you!!

[Jodi Davis]

Took the blanket out and although I hate that he sleeps on that hard bottom, no pee!!  Yay! :)

[Malenie Piscetelli]

Great news!!!! Yay!!!! :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Yay! A giant step in the right direction!
I know what you mean about cold, hard crate bottom. But, Enz iwill roll up or push away anything I put on her crate. She prefers the coolness of the bottom of the crate.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

How big is the crate? If it is too large, they will find a way to pee in it. If it is large, try a divider in it. Also...how are you cleaning the crate? An enzyme cleaner must be used in order to remove all traces of urine. Even tho you may not smell anything, he can and will continue to go n that spot.
He is very young....most of us are just getting our pups at this age....and for us, it was another 2 weeks or so before Enzo could go the whole night without peeing in her crate.