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Originally Posted by losting  I am going to start crate training my my baby Jack. He is 9 weeks old and goes on the puppy pad about 90 % of the time. I have read so many things about the pads and how they have a hard time transitioning outside and I want Jack to go outside eventually. I take him out now and he does great.
Anyways, am I supposed to keep any water in the crate for him when I start this process?? He will be in his crate 6.5-7hrs.....I have read a lot on crate training, so this week I am just getting him transitioned into getting into his crate and liking it  ......anyone have any suggestions? This is my first yorkie..so I'm a little clueless  |
He is really young, and most people don't even have their yorkies at this age. His bladder is still extreemly small, and he won't be able to hold it much over a couple of hours. Experts recommend that water be available at all times, and small dogs can become dehydrated very rapidly so water is important. Withholding water isn't really teaching them anything, of course they don't go, but it's not helping to stretch their bladder and make it grow either.
I think of pee pad as a helper to me, not Joey, if you are going to be away for long periods of time pee pads are great, also, if you ever like to sleep in, pee pads are wonderful. I would take Joey outside first thing in the morning and last thing at night, but during the night, and during the day, he used the pee pad. It's not that hard for them to learn both methods. There is no way a small dog will learn to hold it for 6 or 7 hours, you are asking way too much of him. Maybe when he's closer to 6 months. Remember, the smaller breeds have to go more often, rules that work with the larger breeds don't work with Yorkies. This link offers some good suggestions.
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