How can I get him to be quiet when it’s time to go to bed?

 

by Yuliana
(Denver )

I have a 6 week old puppy, and I’m training him to potty outside.

I’ve read that if you keep him in a kennel they can learn to control their bladder, but when it’s time to go to sleep he starts crying, I don’t want to give up but there’s people that have to work.

Is there any other way for me to train him without making him cry?

Hi Yuliana
What you’re doing is absolutely correct, and crate training is most definitely the fastest and easiest way to housebreak a puppy.

There are a couple of things you need to realize though…. firstly that at 6 weeks old he is basically a tiny baby (puppies actually shouldn’t leave their momma and littermates until they’re at least 8 weeks old) and he has pretty much no control over his bladder or bowels yet. That doesn’t even really begin until he’s about 8 weeks old.

Secondly, it’s natural for him to cry when separated from you, it’s natures way of keeping him safe if he were in the wild – because a puppy all alone is likely to die.

Only in rare instances does a young puppy accept being crated without crying and complaining, and the only thing to do is to ignore the noise as long as you know that he doesn’t need a potty break. It could take a week, or longer, for him to realize that his complaints fall on deaf ears unless he actually NEEDS to go, but he will learn if you’re patient and give him time.

BUT up until he’s somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks old he’ll probably need one (at 6 weeks maybe as many as three or four) potty breaks during the night. If he’s been sleeping, or quiet in his crate, for a while and then begins to cry… take him outside right away so that he begins to learn what he’s supposed to do.

Housebreaking can be challenging but if you approach it the right way and are patient, the puppy eventually learns what’s expected of him. I strongly suggest that you read both these pages on my site as they have lots of tips and advice to help you…

Puppy Crate Training

Housebreaking A Puppy

Best of luck with your new puppy.

Comments for How can I get him to be quiet when it’s time to go to bed?

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Feb 11, 2011

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bed time
by: Wendy

Well, I might be making a big mistake with my 7 wk old puppy, I do have a nice crate, sheepskin rug and all in our room for him. However, I let him sleep on the bed with me, and, it has made it so easy to potty train, because if he starts to whine, I am right here, take him out and he has gone right outside every time to poo and pee outside! I put him in his crate during the day when I can clean and go on with household things and then bring him out once he is quiet. Might not be the “proper” training, but it is working wonderful for this new guy!!!!


Jan 28, 2011

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try to keep the crate near you
by: Girish

if possible try to keep the crate near your bed, from where he can see you

Mine one is just reaching his 9 months but dont like to be locked anywhere from where he cant see the family.

he prefer sleeping on the door of the bathroom, with his head out looking at family on bed.

its not the crate i feel what make him cry, but unable to see you and feel your presence near him.

if crate is small and movable place it near your bed from where he can see you and be comfortable of being you there near him.

All the best with your little one


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My name is Dr. Winnie. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, a Masters of Science in Biology from St Georges University, and graduated from the University of Pretoria Veterinary School in South Africa. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. Author and Contribturor at SeniorTailWaggers, A Love of Rottweilers, DogsCatsPets and TheDogsBone