It may seem cruel to leave a puppy without food or water during the night, but in reality you actually are helping her -- and you. Regular feeding schedules help her digestive tract, while removing water only at bedtime can help her sleep through the night.
Housebroken Pups
A trained and housebroken older puppy or adult dog ideally should have water available at all times, even during the night. Just like humans, dogs sometimes become thirsty and have the basic need for a small or large drink. Once housebroken, she is able to hold her bladder until morning unless there is an emergency. Before being housebroken, however, she will have a hard time holding her bladder throughout the night.
Water During Crate/Potty Training
While potty training, you should remove water approximately two to three hours before you go to bed yourself. Your pup should have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day, however, to quench her thirst and to hydrate. Removing her water dish two to three hours before bedtime gives you the opportunity to take her out and let her eliminate. During the crate-training process, she should learn and accept bedtime quickly as a time of rest and sleep. Most puppies can sleep for about 7 hours without needing to eliminate.
Feeding Schedules
Putting your puppy on a feeding schedule is better for her overall health than simply leaving a full bowl of food out at all times. A younger puppy that is going through potty training and crate training should be fed two to three times per day. She also should be given only the amount specified by the dog food manufacturer. If you keep the routine the same on a daily basis, you will be able to predict when she will have her next bowel movement. Puppies -- and adult dogs -- often will eat much more than they need and, therefore, will have more bowel movements or even health issues as a side effect.
Other Considerations
Take her outside to eliminate first thing in the morning upon waking up. When she's gone outside to eliminate, allow her to have access to fresh, clean water as soon as she comes inside. A higher-quality dog food will be easier for her to digest, thus resulting in fewer stools and a healthier body overall.
References
- Milford Animal Hospital: Houstraining Your Puppy
- Animal Humane Society: Crate Training Your PUppy
- Humane Society of the United States: Houstraining Puppies
Writer Bio
With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since 2009 and has served as an expert writer in these fields. Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care.
Crating your puppy keeps him safe and secure while you're busy, away or sleeping, giving you peace of mind that your puppy -- and your belongings -- are safe while you can't keep an eye on things. Food and water inside the crate are almost always a no-no for several reasons.
Crate Training
Crate training is among the most trusted ways of potty training your pup while also giving him a safe place and keeping him out of trouble when you can't keep your eyes on him. It becomes a comfortable place in your home that is your pooch's own; many dogs will voluntarily go in the crate once they've become accustomed to it. A common mistake with crate training, however, is leaving your puppy in for too long and using it solely as a "puppy sitter."
Feeding Schedule
Puppies are like clockwork, so to speak. What goes in must go out, and putting him on a regular feeding schedule can help you determine when he's going to need to relieve himself. For example, many puppies will need to eliminate 20 or so minutes after eating. When you make his feeding schedule, you'll have a better idea of a time frame of when he'll need to potty. While your puppy is out of the crate, allow him access to fresh water throughout the day, but remove it about 2 1/2 hours before bedtime.
Maximum Crate Time
Puppies aren't able to stay in a crate for long periods of time due to a couple of reasons: puppies aren't able to control their eliminations as well as adult dogs, and too much time in a crate can lead to emotional and behavioral problems. A young puppy 8 to 10 weeks old should only be in a crate for an hour at most; 11- to 14-week-old puppies can stay in for a maximum of three hours; 4-month-old puppies can stay in a crate for four hours; and puppies over 4 months old can stay in for five hours. Adult dogs can stay in for 8 hours or so, although they should still be let out in the middle of the day.
Food and Water in the Crate
Food is unnecessary in the crate and can lead to your puppy having an unfortunate accident inside his safe place. If he's on a schedule, it's your responsibility to maintain that schedule. Once your puppy is older and capable of staying in a crate for most of the day, put him on a morning and night schedule -- or a schedule that fits your at-home time. This makes it easier for you to control his bowel movements and also gives you the opportunity to not worry about your pooch during the middle of the day. If you're going to be gone for a lengthy period of time, you can consider putting a water bottle in the crate with him, but avoid the water dishes. Dishes can create a cold, wet mess that can quickly become uncomfortable to your little pooch.
References
- ASPCA: Weekend Crate Training
- Humane Society of the United States: Housetraining Your Dog or Puppy
Resources
- Humane Society of the United States: Crate Training
Writer Bio
With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since 2009 and has served as an expert writer in these fields. Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care.