Kathy, I read every word and then read it again. I can see where the problems are, but they are not problems at all. My training is very gentle and kind. When you use violence or yelling, then the baby fears you. Fear is something you don't want. Respect is what you are looking for. Fear causes a dog to bite others. You do not want that. I'm going through hell with menopause, so I'm up several times a night. I couldn't hold my pp if I wanted to, so how can I expect a baby to. Did your children hold their pp all night when they were only babies. I didn't think so. I wouldn't allow my child, two legged or 4 legged to waller in their own waste. That makes me furious. How would you like to lay in your own waste. I'm a retired Health Official, and believe I have seen enough of that to last a lifetime. Anytime you are up, either coming in from work or seeing to the children==you are already up, so take the baby out of the crate to pp. Most of the time they sleep walk pp, but still they are doing their business. You and all your children will thank you. Remember each time you are awake during the night for any reason, don't forget the four legged baby. Also, take the crate to your bedroom. They know when their master is around. They feel you, hear and smell you. It is a natural calming thing for them. Right now, you are their mother and protector. In the basement, they feel like they have been abandoned. Yorkies have a problem with seperation anxiety. Keep the crate covered, small area, toy. Take baby to potty right before bedtime. You will probably have to take baby outside to PP once during the night, but you're up anyway. Baby will probably whimper for a few minutes at first, but will settle down. If they cry longer than 15 minutes, then they didn't get to finish their bathroom duties. Without saying a word, very gently take them back outside. If they still don't potty, that means that was a "Cry Wolf" whimper. Take them back to the crate without saying a word. That is when you ignore them, until you think it's the real thing. Only praise them if they do good. Normally my nighttime trips are without words. It's business and straight back to bed. Soon they learn not to cry wolf. Sorry about being so long winded, but only wanted to stress that love will prevail in the end without violence. |