How can I tell if he needs to go potty or not?

Question

I am crate training my 10 week old puppy and he sleeps in his crate at night. I take him out right before bed. He wakes up at least once during the night to go potty and I let him out. The problem is he is crying and scratching at the crate door to get out. I know you are not supposed to let them out when they are crying because it will create a bad habit but I always assume he has to go potty which he does. When I put him back in he cries but I do not let him out. The only time he really gets let out is when he is crying and it's because he has to go potty. I feel like I am not able to teach him that crying is not the way out but that's kinda what I am doing. Help?

Answer 1

If the crate is just big enough for him to turn around in a puppy generally will not pee.. Dogs DO NOT like to sleep where they pee... So, if the crate is too big block off a section or your puppy will pee on one side/sleep on the other.... Also, when the puppy comes out from the kennel immediately let him/her outside to go potty.. Praise them and let them back into the house..Into the kennel if he/she is muddy ! Then back out after a while... Once you teach the puppy that it shouldn't be a problem....

Answer 2

As a general rule dogs 5-10 weeks old should only be expected to hold it 1-3 hours while being crated and 20 minutes - 1 hour while uncrated/active. Smaller breed dogs will build "holding power" slower than larger dogs. Be patient and never use the crate as a place for punishment. Accidents will happen. It is a learning experience for all.

Answer 3

Crate training is hard enough, but adding potty training to the mix might be confusing him. Since you've started already it may be best to continue. You might want to look at how much time he spends in his crate also. If he spends most of his day in the crate you should find him a better owner. This is basically neglect. Your puppy wants love and attention. Give him more of it!!