2 month old cocker housetraining help please

Question
QUESTION: We adopted a 2 month old cocker a week ago and am trying to house train with pee pads.

In the day, we dont have problems as we checked frequently and change the pads whenever we see that he has used it 3-4 times or if he poo.

But at night is the problem.  We had a Midwest Black Exercise Pens with Doors 24" 8 panels which we configured to a rectangle 1x2 panels, placed a mat on one side and the pee pad on the other.  However, he makes a mess of the pad and poo which makes the clean up a chore in the morning.  

We then change the panel to be a 1x1 panel but still he plays with the pad and poos at night.

1.  How can I stop him from playing with the pad and
2.  get him to poo on the pad?

ANSWER: Are you saying he will use the pads during the day?  Where is he during the day?  I'm confused about where he is during the day vs. night.

Are you taking him outside?  Do you praise & reward when he uses the pads?

He is an infant and at this point has very little control but it is time to "begin" teaching.
Weather permitting he should be TAKEN out (not put out) every two hours on leash with you giving the
Go Potty command (or whatever you choose).  When he does go - huge praise and a treat.

I'd also like to know what & when you're feeding him?
Delores

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

QUESTION: Hi Delores,

Yes, he uses pads during the day as well.  No one's at home during the weekdays till the late afternoon and we keep him indoors.  So pads are our only option.

I do go back during lunch time to change his pad.

I feed him Royal Canine Puppy 3 times daily, 6:30am, 12pm and 5pm.  Each time the food is laid out for 15mins.  Water is constantly supplied till 8pm.

Answer
Okay..that helps.  First of all, Royal Canin isn't a "great" food.  The next 6 months is a massive growth spurt and he needs a top quality food.  AND he needs to be fed more often.
3x daily isn't enough at this age.

Can you possibly feed him at 6:30 and again before you leave?  I know it's difficult when you're working but at this age his tiny tummy just can't take 3x daily with long periods with no food.
Think human infant!

It's also going to be hard to do serious housebreaking when he's left alone so long but..reality is reality..so we have to work with that and you'll have to be extra diligent when you are home and on weekends.

So what I'm getting here is that right now it's nightime that's an issue?  I suggest doing the same thing you do doing the day and not confining him in the pen and see what happens.

Do understand at this age they don't have a lot of control.  It's now he should be being taken outside every couple of hours...given a command..watch him and when you know he's about to go - give the command again - over the top praise and reward.  They really quickly get the command-action-reward thing.

Frankly, he's left alone too long - he's bored and that's why he is chewing up the pads.
Any chance of someone coming in mid-morning?  Friend - neighbour?

I'm going to be off this board for a few weeks - but am happy to chat with you personally about how to solve this.  Write me at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.  Would love to recommend some far, far better foods.  Nutrition is the key to health and avoiding the vet.  Also - some ear products any cocker owner should have.
Delores