Aussie house/kennel training

Question
I have a 4 month old Australian Shepherd I rescued from the animal control shelter.  Now that I have her, I am in the process of house training and kennel training her.  So far, it hasn't been so bad, but when she is crated for the night in my living room, which is only 4 feet from my bedroom, she becomes whiny and barks every 1 1/2 to 3 hours wanting out to go "potty."  It should also be noted that I take her out throughout the day and exercise her greatly. She appears to go potty everytime, when I take her out but does this frequency ever stop, or will I continued to be plague with a dog who has to go every couple of hours (I'd like to finally get some consistent sleep)???  Please help with this process!!  Thank you!

Answer
I have a young beagle with the same issue. First I will assume the dog has no biological issues that cause frequent urination. Dogs never completely empty their bladder so just going is not proof that it had to go. They always have a reserve for marking.

I would move the dog to another room where it cannot scent or hear you. It knows you are near and the stress of separation and the shelter are causing it to want your attention every time it wakes. There are medications the vet can provide that will calm the dog so you can get some sleep, but not to be used regularly nor for very long.  

If not neutered do so soon. Also, begin obedience training. These are going to help and the training process helpbs over come the stress and memories of her past experience. Use a professional trainer, not a pet store. We've had a lot of dogs come to use after going to the local big box pet store where they were taught next to nothing for their $99. Feel free to interview the trainer to make sure they follow AKC guidelines and positive rewards. The dog does not need more trauma or stress from rough handling. Use a pinch collar, it mimicks the dog's mother correcting it.

Limmit water intake at night. We potty the dogs around 6, they come in for a drink, then go right back out for a few minutes. One more trip around 9.  The young beagle has now made it to about 4 AM or 6 AM (5 months old) I expect him to grow out of it in about 2 more months.

When the dog goes outside, be sure to praise her so she knows that is where she is supposed to go. At least she is barking to let you know she wants to go out, not like some sneaky dogs I've had. :-) Be sure to spend some play time, fetch, and other action activities as your breed is an active dog and needs exercise and it helps mental development and confidence. No tug of war or competitive, win-lose games. Everything should be win win.

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind Kennels LLC