[Silverfoxkit]

I am new to crate training and I was wondering if there were any good pointers on how to begin. How can I prevent my cocker spaniel puppy from having accidents at nighttime? I have always left water available all of the time for my dogs, and I don't want him to go thirsty, but he will need to wee wee a lot in the night if he has it available, and I won't be able to catch the accidents. He doesn't have the ability to hold it for long and I don't want him to get pee on himself at night. What should I do?

[LifePaparazzi]

First off, make the crate a fun place for him. Keep toys and chew sticks in the crate. Once he is in his crate, do not give him attention. Even if he barks and wines, he will soon understand that that his a safe place for him. When you take him out, make a huge fuss and lots of positive toned praise.

When it is time for him to go back in to the crate, calm him down first. This can be done with loving cuddles and hugs and low soft toned voice. Once he is calm, place him in the crate with soft, but high pitched, praise.

Also, you dog can go without water overnight. Feed and water him well in advance of putting him in the crate. But at night time, take the water bowl out. In the morning, give him his water back.

Once he gets older and fully house boken, you can let him have his water back in the crate. But until that point, take it out at night time. I promiss he will not suffer. Now, if you plan to leave him in there for more then an 8 hour period, you will have to give him the water. But as long as we are only talking about a regular night, he will be just fine.

Hope these things help. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

[Silverfoxkit]

Thank you for the advice. I will try that.

[carolbcac]

Also check out the sticky at the top of the dogs page; there is some pretty detailed information there as well.