toilet training problem

Question
we have a 10 week old female cocker spaniel and have had her for 2 weeks now. We crate her during the night and we have learned to get up when she whines to take her out to do the toilet, we reward her for this and give her praise, cuddles etc..

Question 1 - By 4am though she will wake up and whine constantly giving us no peace as she is beside our bed so that we can hear her when she needs out. My wife then allows her onto the bed where she sleeps fine until we get up in the morning. I dont think this is a good thing, should it be stopped and we just ignore her cries.

Question 2 - When we go out during the day (for 3 hours at the most) we come back to find pee and poo's on the floor. This is after we have taken her out before we leave to try and empty her bowels. Are we doing something wrong or is she just not old enough to be able to hold it in. Will it stop when she has better bladder control? I really worry that this will cause long term problems and she will just pee and poo in the house all the time. She also has messed in her crate, was this again just because she couldn't hold it in even though she didnt want to mess her bedding or did she think messing her bedding was acceptable?

Your help would be really appreciated

Martin

Answer
Answer #1.  You're right.  She's learning quite well (and quickly) that crying will get good results.  At her age you might expect "accidents" during the night which is why she should be in her own bed in the kitchen with some papers down for "emergencies".  PetSmart has "scented" puppy pads.
I wouldn't crate a puppy all night because they really can't hold it yet.  But that will change quickly.

Answer #2.  Has she been checked for worms?  If not, get a stool sample in pronto.  Accidents in the crate are something to be concerned about.

Now...having said all that :) ...with a dog this age you need to actually "teach" and not wait until she signals you.
She needs to be "taken" (not put out) every two hours and if you're leaving for hours, then walk her for 1/2 hour before you leave.  Walking (and sniffing things) encourages her to go and gives her lots of time to do it.
Whipping her out the door to the yard for 60 seconds doesn't mean a thing to her.

Marin, with a puppy this age routine is your friend and will make things much easier.  feeding - walking - potty times - quiet nap times should all be as much on a routine as possible.

Also..what and when you're feeding her is very important.

Oh..and I see she's only 10 weeks and then hasn't finished her puppy shots so keep her away from other dogs or anywhere other dogs have eliminated.

Tackle one issue at a time and see if exercise (a tired dog is a good dog) and a nice long walk will improve her conduct while you're out.

If you need to chat further, you can write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com - it's a little faster and easier.
Delores