Finnigan would do this when he was younger. He was in a small cat sized crate, and the smell of his accidents would make him even more sick. I don't think he knew how to get my attention to let him out when he needed to go. So, before I let him out I started to reach through and have him scratch at the door so he'd learn to signal me when he needed let out at night. I'd reward him if he'd actually go potty by letting him stay out of his crate for a little while, if he didn't go potty I'd put him right back in.
To help during the night when he was especially young, I took his water away after 10 or so just so I could sleep longer than an hour before he'd have an accident. I have a really sensitive nose and his urine would even wake me at night. He would never whine or do anything until I taught him to paw the door.
__________________ Jenni Finnigan  & Gwenndilyn 
Forever in my heart |