potty training

[ginagt]

First try limiting water intake right before bedtime. I would say no water 30 minutes before bed time. Take them out right before you go to bed for the night. If they wake you up in the night then take them out, if you wake them up to use the bathroom they will get used to that and never be able to sleep through the night. The puppies are about 9 weeks old now, correct? If so that is good with each passing week they will be able to hold it that much longer. If they continue to potty in the crate, take away the bedding so they have to lay it in, this will help them realize not to soil their sleeping area. It sounds mean but it is really the only way for them to learn not to soil their beds. (most dogs already know this and don't potty in the crate) Do they sleep together in same crate? If so you might need to seperate them until you get the potty in the crate issue under control( no need to punish both if it's just one that is not holding it).
Good luck, potty training is one of the hardest things to do but once they understand it's worth it.
oh, I agree about geting rid of the potty pads, I think it sends mixed messages as well.
Good luck.
Gina

[overbeylc]

they are in seprate crates. also they will be nine weeks friday. the good news is there has been no accidents for a few days. i just make sure they go before bed. if they whine I let them out for a couple of minutes. their whines are diffrent when it's potty time than when their just bored. now if the one could just get the puppy pad down always pee's there sometimes doesn't get there for number two. thanks for all your help.

[Chica]

I trained Chica this way. Remember she was 2 pounds when I got her. I bought a ramp and put it by my bed. Chica (chihuahua) sleeps in my bed. I trained her to use the ramp to go down to the weewee pad on the floor by the bed.She would go pee and come up the ramp and go back to sleep.She is very smart.She was 11 weeks old when I trained her. I didn't have her in a crate or have to get up to take her outside. I think that was a good idea the way I did it.