Crate training: Am I reinforcing puppy crying with night potty breaks?

Question

I'm crate training an 11 wk spaniel/retriever. She usually cries for 20 mins, settles down, and is quiet for most of the night until crying at 3- when I let her out to potty (when she is quiet). Even if I don't let her out until she is quiet, and it's only for potty, am I still reinforcing letting her out if she's crying. I am very dedicated to not reinforcing this behavior, but also want to make sure she gets out if she can't hold it. Last night she was up 3 times! She seems to like her crate. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 22 days old | 6.1 lbs

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

Cute pup! It sounds like you are on the right track working toward rewarding her for calm behavior rather than whining and crying. If she is needing to get up a bit more (can happen as the bladder is still growing), trying to set and alarm and time going out before she gets too antsy may help keep her calm the entire time so she doesn't get to the point of whining. However, it seems like you have a pretty good plan in place and Harley is on her way to being a good puppy. :)

Crate training: Am I reinforcing puppy crying with night potty breaks?

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