[BonamassaGirl]

Okay- opinions are going to vary on this one, but this is what I have done with all of my dogs in the past, and will be doing with Sadie when she comes home on the 9th... so far, it has always worked.

I set up a place- in my case, it is my kitchen/eating area (no carpet) and I set up the puppy's crate, food/water bwls, toys, and a blanket or bed and while I'm at home, I keep a careful eye on the puppy, take it out OFTEN for potty, play, etc. and let it have the run of the gated area. i only let the puppy out if she's done with eating, potty, etc. and I'll be with her or holding her, etc.

At night, I absolutely put the puppy in her crate for the night. She WILL cry and whine, but I don't let them out. If anything, I'll go down by the crate, talk to her, soothe her, but I will not let her out. I'm not usually worried about a potty break because I cut off their water 2 1/2 hours before bedtime and make sure they go potty before bed. In all my experience, just being next to them and talking or even singing to them will calm them down enough to go back to sleep. But please know, that this will go on a few times, if not even more times in the night the first week or so she is home. Maybe less time, maybe more. I have even brought my blanket and pillow down to the crate on especially hard nights, but I never move the crate, or let the puppy out, or hold her. She will eventually get the idea that the crate is her sleeping place.

This is an adjustment period, it may be hard at first. As far as whining is concerned, if the puppy has everything she needs, has eaten, gone potty, been loved and cuddled a while, etc. I just ignore the whining. She will eventually stop. I know it may be really hard at first, but it works.

Also, if I go out anywhere, I always make sure the puppy has gone potty, and I crate her. Believe me, it is beter and safer that way, but you have to plan a little, make sure she has gone potty at least. I usually give the puppy a toy or something she really loves to occupy her when I am gone, and only use it for that occasion, so she doesn't get bored with it.

Like I said, there are MANY opinions as to how to do these things, but this is generally my experience and has always worked. Hope the info helps.

Since your puppy is 11 weeks old, she may need a bathroom break once in the night, but don't talk to her or play with her when you let her out, just give her the potty command, let her do her business,and then straight back to the crate. You don't want her to think that whining and social time go together..