how do we separate the sleeping area from the pee area?

You try to prevent peeing in the crate altogether. So, that means taking your puppy out more frequently than he actually needs, so his bladder is never so full that he can't hold.

Realistically, unless you are extremely vigilant, there will be accidents but these should be the exception. Try to take your puppy out every 45 minutes or so, and always after waking, eating and playing, to keep accidents to a minimum.

If you need advice on toilet training, just ask.

Speaking of beds, the best place to situate his bed is in the guest room.

I hope you will be sleeping in there too?

 

You try to prevent peeing in the crate altogether. So, that means taking your puppy out more frequently than he actually needs, so his bladder is never so full that he can't hold.

Realistically, unless you are extremely vigilant, there will be accidents but these should be the exception. Try to take your puppy out every 45 minutes or so, and always after waking, eating and playing, to keep accidents to a minimum.

If you need advice on toilet training, just ask.


I hope you will be sleeping in there too?

He will have 24/7 supervision by at least one adult at all times. Out every 45 minutes in the wee (hahaha) hours seems a bit excessive. The pee area whereever is just for accidents, regardless of what the various advice might be.

He will be trained, he will be happy and well-adjusted, despite the fact that his parents are currently in information overload. Take a look at this just received a minute ago. My heart leaps with joy!!!!

 

I agree with JoanneF. You do NOT want "pee area" in the crate! You need instead to make sure you take the puppy out as often as needed, which is very often, so that the puppy pees outside, not even indoors. At first, this is at least every half hour to 45 minutes, but the puppy will show you how often it needs to be.

Also, I agree with Joanne that you absolutely need to be sleeping in the same room as the puppy. You cannot just put a new baby puppy into a guest room in a crate and leave the puppy there all night while you sleep in another room, leaving him alone. (Now, maybe that is not what you meant, in which case....please disregard this).

You need to have a new puppy right next to your bed so that you wake up and take him outside to pee when he starts getting restless and needs to go out. This may be every hour to two hours all night long, just like a new human baby that needs to be fed. This is part of bringing home a baby puppy. Also, you need to be nearby in order to soothe him and reassure him because he will be very frightened and upset at first, not knowing what has happened to his mother and his littermates.

This is a prime time to establish a strong bond with him that will last his lifetime by showing him that even though his mother and littermates are gone, you will always be there for him and he is safe with you. But if you do not take advantage of this vulnerable period of time in his life, you will miss out on that opportunity.

 

Sorry if I did not make myself clear about the guest room; he will not be sleeping
alone, ever. His bed will be next to the twin people's bed in the guest room, with one parent always in attendance and the other parent getting some much-needed sleep.

I don't dream up all of the questions and concerns I bring to the forum. There are many schools of thought regarding the proper rearing of puppies (and children), and I am trying to find a combination of care that works for Benjie and for us as well.

I've been around the block more than a few times, and through years of experience, good and bad, I actually do have a clue as to what makes sense and what is a bit over-the-top.

 

Every 45 minutes overnight might not be necessary, but you might find every 2 hours is necessary. I would certainly plan at least one outing at night, so he doesn't have to wait more than 4 hours. Toy dogs are, on average, harder to housebreak than large dogs. It's not because of lack of will on their part. They just have faster metabolisms and smaller bladders. A toy puppy has an even faster metabolism and an even smaller bladder. Since he's already starting out with a potty training handicap, do your best to remove any additional barriers to success.

 

Terrific advice. Thank you!