Hey everyone-
We just got a 16 wk old great pyreneese puppy. Potty training has been going well when we are at home but he is having multiple accidents at night and when are at work and he is in his cage. I have been waking up in the middle of the night to take him out and this is helping but he is still going pee and poop and then rolling all in it daily. Any tips?
Stacey
Hi Stacey,
It's tough for a little puppy to hold it all day - their bladder is still small as a puppy and its difficult for them to hold anything longer than 4 hours. For overnight, I suggest taking away water about an hour before bedtime, and then going outside right before bed. Dogs in general do not enjoy relieving themselves where they sleep - so that's an indicator that he is unable to hold it at this time.
Is it possible to come home to check on him at lunchtime?
So here is what I suggest: Potty when get up, breakfast (should have water available all day), potty before you leave, come home at lunch - lunch, potty (if able to), potty when you get home, dinner & potty, remove water an hour before bedtime, potty right before bed.
I know it goes without saying - never push the pups nose in its mess, never hit it, and you cannot scold unless you catch it in the act of messing inside. From what I've seen, most pups who are aware that they are supposed to go potty on a pad or outside and get it wrong already feel ashamed about it - every dog I've trained has been like that.
Make sure you praise when the pup is able to go outside so he knows that's good. With time his bladder will hold longer.
i hope that helps!