Midnight potty trips

[durvish]

A few weeks ago we got a Jack Russell rescue dog ( why anyone would abandon a beaut like this guy I don't know! ). The vet thinks he is around a year old ( I think he may be more like 8 to 9 mths old, but what do I know! ). He has been great and learns at a very fast pace.

We've had to re-potty train and he has done great. Even learning the "go potty" command in this little time.

My question is about our middle of the night bathroom breaks. We are crate training at night so he will whine to go out once or on occasion twice a night so far. By taking him out are we setting up a schedule in his head or do you think eventually when older he will start holding his need for the night?

 

[YorkieLover]

At this age he should be able to hold it all night. I would put his water up earlier and see if that helps. I have a 7 month old puppy that holds it from 10:00 a.m. until 6:30 a.m.

 

[dogdaypets]

Most dog's can last at least 8 hours before relieving themselves. I also have a rescue dog. When I first brought him home, I would let him out before bed. Two hours later he would be barking for me to let him out. After a few nights, I would let him out and stand watch to see what he was doing. Of course, I saw that he wasn't relieving himself. When he tried to come back in I wouldn't let him and taught him the "hurry up" command. This worked but he kept barking at the same time each night. Instead of taking him out, I told him to lay down. After a few days everything was fine.
So to answer your question about setting up a schedule in your dogs head, I believe you are (as I was in the beginning).

 

[durvish]

Last night may have just been a fluke, but Mikey made it all the way to 5am!

 

[Angelique]

Yay!

I was going to suggest getting up and taking him out before the time period he usually begins to whine, and then extending that period gradually. This way he won't be "training" you with his whine to respond every time he does it. This is not to say you don't want him to communicate with you, or ever indicate he needs to go...ever had to "go" bad yourself?!

Some JR's can be quite bossy and will rule their homes if you let them.

Dogdaypets' suggestion to have him settle down is very good advice, and can be used in many situations where he gets a bit pushy with you. Most dogs operate on what we've taught them to expect. It's far easier to start them out right, than to go back and try and change them later.

Good luck and pleasant dreams!