Chihuahua puppy night time questions!

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

One week ago today, I brought home my 8.5 week old chihuahua puppy.  He is just about 1.25 lbs. He is doing great!  My only issue of sorts is night time.  I don't think I am handling it correctly and hope you can help me!  

I have a small crate, the smallest one they had at the pet store.  I go to bed at about 10 at night. I take the pup out right before, then take him to his crate, give him some luvvies and then into the crate he goes, door shut and locked. I  have been putting the crate in the guest room next to my room with the door shut and lights out.  He whines and scratches at the door for a while, then eventually falls asleep.  Even if I hear him again, I do not go to him unless it has been at least 2 hours since I put him to bed, and have pushed for 3 hours.  When I do go in for the middle of the night potty break he is already up and whining, etc. so I am wondering if my going in there is in any way "rewarding" the whining??  Even though he has to go out, I am confused as training advice I read says never go to them when they are whining in the cage.  Not sure how to handle that...if they have to go to the bathroom, there is no choice.  Also, when I bring him back in, should I cuddle a few minutes, or just put him back in the crate immediately and leave??

Next, how many times SHOULD I be taking him out during the night??  I am just doing one, then getting up at 4:45 or 5 a.m. with him and just staying up then for the day.  Also, could I just use the pee pads at night to avoid going outside??  We have coyotes and owls, not to mention in the dead of winter it will be brutal.  Will this sabotage house training if I use the pads intermittently?  It would seem like it.  At what age can he stop going out in the middle of the night for good?  Ever??

Now, my other problem is this. I noticed he will nap in the cage during the day only if I put him in there after he has already dozed off. If I close the door, he wakes up and freaks out.  Of course, I let him out then.  I have also noticed now he begins to shake and get nervous at night when I am carrying him up the stairs.  It gets worse when I enter the dreaded guest room.  He obviously knows "upstairs" and "guest room" mean night time isolation.  Any suggestions?  I hate to leave him all alone on the first floor when all of us, including our other dog are upstairs. Please tell me specifically what you would do with night time accommodations, potty breaks, etc.

Lastly, I just ordered a 4' x 4' x 2' tall nylon collapsible travel playpen with a top that can zip closed. I didn't like the metal ones. I would like to use this if I leave the house for a few hours---is it safe?  Could he possibly chew out of it and escape?  Could I put him in this at night, with his crate open in it??  The pen should arrive in 2 days for sure.

Last issue:  the leash.  I have one, but he just attacks it and lays down on the ground. Is he too young yet, or should I be leash training right away??

Please help. I don't want to screw this up and have issues down the line with bedtime, crates, etc.  I have never raised a puppy before, only have had adopted adult dogs in the past.


20.00 NuVET powder / P   ANSWER: Hi - BEST wishes on the new Chi pup!  I would place a night light in the room and some potty pads.  Yes, potty pads will give him a place to go potty in the middle of the night.
All sounds great except for you going out at 4 am.  JUST let him use the pads for his potty.  
My chi used her potty pad and went outside on a leash.  If you start with potty pads you will alway need to keep one down.  
Don't forget the night light.
I would also play the radio, on very low.
Make sure he has plenty of blankets to cuddle under.  ( The guest room is a fine idea)-  He will calm down in another 3-4 weeks, or so...

Next, The fabric crate will be nice when he is a little older.  You can use it now but never close it up as he will eat it OR dig through it.
BELIEVE me, I know...

Leash walking :  Have fun!  This kid is so small - try it with a harness only.  They don't like anything around the neck when they are so small.
Don't leave the harness on all the time, or it will be eaten.  

For feeding, make sure he is eating a good quailty dog / pup food.
YOU may also want to start him on 1/4 of a teaspoon of NuVET supplement powder per day;
*this is a wonderful vitamin for chi dogs.
Protects them from sickness and helps the Knees, hips and joints.
Chi dogs get Knee problems ( patella) problems all the time.  This helps to prevent them...
SEE here : Holistic and sold only here:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
If you call in they have a small 20.00 bottle that will last your 4 months.
In time you will give 1/2 teaspoon per day.  For now, you would only do 1/4 teaspoon for the next 3 months.  ( MIX into some WET dog food)
1-900-474-7044  Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you...


BEST wishes!

Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you!  Now, just to clarify--you are saying to leave the crate OPEN in the room (with the room door closed obviously) so he has access to the pee pads?  So he can essentially roam around the room at night?  I have been closing the door of the crate AND closing the door to the room to block the whining sound...

If I do need to leave him home alone for say more than 3 hours at a time, what type of enclosure would you suggest?  Are there any that are safe for an extended period of time?  

I am going online now to look for a harness.  I did buy an adjustable cat one but it starts to loosen up almost immediately, so not the best.

Thanks for your help, and I look forward to your next reply!!


Answer
Hi - Yes, you leave the crate door open and he can use the wee wee pads...
Just make sure he is in a small room...
I like the little doggie play yards - and then place the crate into the play yard....it limits his room to roam.
see here:
Doggie pet yard or play yards....I LOVE them!
Here is an example
http://gormetdogtreats.com/p-772-pet-yard.aspx


When you go away for more than 3 hrs.... YOUR dog will love this pet yard.
Put the wee wee pads in the pet yard...

YOU can even buy doggie potty grass, see here:
http://www.thepetloo.com/global/product.php?id=4
A little Costly but it works...



Don't forget to start your baby onto the NuVET vitamins..

Marie Peppers LPN MA