Training

[casenh]

Hello, this is my first post. Just a quick question I have a 8 week old male rotty named Tank. I'm asking for any tips for training him!! I know it's too early for him to be house trained but what is the best way to train him to go outside. He is pretty good and I do take him outside every 1-2 hrs the problem is I work nights and sleep during the day. He does go outside right befor I go to bed and right when I get up but is having alot of accidents in between. I did try the crate but being so young he just goes in it. So he hasn't been in the crate for a couple of days. Don't want to have to bath him every day when I get up. Any tips would be appreciated, thanks!!!

[Maxxx]

Certain sacrifices need to be made for a puppy and one of them is sleep

At 8 weeks old, he should be able to hold his pee for about 3 hours. I'd set my alarm clock and wake up every 3 hours to let him out. Lack of sleep sucks, but that's the best way imho to train them. Also, try to stop his water intake a couple of hours before your bedtime and make sure he's empty before putting him back into his crate for the night.

Is the crate too big? If it's too big, he won't think twice about peeing in one area and sleeping at the other end. Getting something to block it off will help to keep the space small.

Also, putting the crate in your room will help you wake up when he needs to go. Just don't let him out while he's whining.

Good Luck! And congrats on your new addition

[casenh]

Thanks, the crate isn't too big I also have a small lap dog that I have put tank in his crate to start off with. Tank aculley has to lay in his pee if he does go in the crate. I will start setting my alarm though to try that.

[spawn207]

I have a 12 week pup and crate training has been the best thing I've ever done. He's pretty much got it down packed. He did have 2 accidents in his crate because he had diahera and probably couldn't hold it, poor thing. Besides that, he is doing very well with it.

[Nishasmom]

Yes, if your crate is too big, it is really pointless (potty-training wise). They should be able to stand, turn, and lie down.

Also, he needs at least one bathroom break in the middle of the night. It is unfair for him to try and hold it; his bladder is simply not strong enough yet.

[Barrie]

I agree. I also have an 8 week old and he does quite well during the day. I knew going in that sleep will need to be sacrificed for a little while in order to ensure success. The alarm clock thing works, so give it a try.

[Weily4Life]

Sounds like it is just you and Tank in your household. If so, Tank's needs are not being met during the night when he needs to go out and you are at work. Have someone come to your house to take him out, if you aren't able to leave work to do so. During the day when you are sleeping set the alarm to take him out on a regular schedule also.

Here are some general guidelines that I found to increase your chances of success.

1. First thing in the morning when he wakes up.
2. About 15 minutes after drinking water.
3. About 30 minutes after eating.
4. Immediately after waking up from a nap.
5. During any excitement, such as when you arrive home or guests come to visit.
6. At least once every hour during the day.
7. Last thing at night.

Of course puppies are individuals and you may need to tweak or adjust to fit your puppies needs.

Good Luck!

[casenh]

Thanks for all the suggustions. It is just me and Tank and my 5 year old son but of course he isn't here at night either. I can leave work at lunch and have started doing so. He seems to be getting alot better. Of course the odd accident but as to be expected from a puppy. Know if I could just get him out of chewing on my sons toys!!!