Our newest member of the family, Charlie, arrived almost two weeks ago. He's settling in so well, but we are having a little difficulty during the night and would love some advice as Charlie is our first puppy! For his first week he went out for a wee just before we went to bed and would then wake up crying between 2 - 3 hours later. I would let him out to toilet and he would then sleep for another few hours. On a visit to the vet last week she told me that I shouldn't be letting him out, but that we have to let him cry / bark and just ignore it - very hard!! 5 nights of this and he is still crying and often wetting in his crate. He has also developed diarrhea over past couple of days. I went back to letting him out during the night, but I honestly don't know if I am doing right thing or just confusing him. I feel that until the diarrhea has cleared its the right thing to do.Any help greatly appreciated!
I think you have to do what feels best for you and if you are happy getting up to him then continue to do so. Pups don’t like messing where they sleep so he will be distressed by this. I didn’t get up to my pup but then she only cried on one night and I didn’t lock her in her crate, I left the door open at night and she would leave the crate when she needed a wee or poo and do it on paper by the back door then return to her crate. I think a lot of people, possibly the majority on this forum, I’m not sure, get up to let their pups out at night, it won’t last for ever and you and Charlie will be happier for it.
This is what I found really hard. Getting him used to the crate, so having to be quite consistent with it, but then not knowing if he cries for good reason. We were so lucky as buddy slept through right away without needing a wee in the night. I wouldn’t have known what to do. But if he is wetting the crate then he obviously needs to go. So maybe go back to what you were doing until he gradually goes longer and sleeps through which I think/hope will come naturally. Buddy did have diarrhoea once or twice in the first week or so which woke him up a couple of times, I think this is fairly normal, stress, or picking something up as they do! See how his tummy settles and keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll soon know when he’s trying it on. And also they learn to really like the crate, buddy walks straight in when he’s tired, so this will get better over time as well, good luck!
Thanks so much for the advice - much appreciated! I'm delighted to have found this forum today - thanks again.
Hi @CharlieM oh dear, another vet who should not be giving out behavioural advice..A young puppy cannot thold her bladder all night long. The crate should not be so large that the puppy can toilet down one and sleep in the other half. Consequently, if the crate is the correct size the puppy will be sleeping in her own waste. The result? A very distressed pup. Continue with what you were doing initially, gradually extending the duration of the time in the crate between toilet breaks. I was told by an instructor that puppies can in general hold their bladder one hour for each monty of life. Your puppy may not be the average so be prepared to vary the duration around the hour for a month rule.
Oh goodness - vets get so angry if anyone besides them gives medical advice, yet they feel completely at ease doling out behavioural and training advice left right and centre - with ZERO qualifications or training in behaviour!! So: You are totally right to get up and let the pup out during the night. BUT You should not do this in response to noise, or you will teach the pup to make noise. SO: Set your alarm for 30mins before the pup tends to wake up and get up and take the pup out, even if he is fast asleep. After he's been out, if he makes any noise, THAT is the time to ignore it - when you know he is empty. After 3 successful nights with the alarm set at a specific time, move it later by 30minutes - until eventually you are going through the night.
