JackieG
Posted : 10/9/2013 10:10:27 AM
It's really a shame that it was necessary for him to be separated from his dam and littermates at such a critical age. Please do some research on what you may expect from a dog that is separated at this age and learn how you can mitigate some of the behavior problems that can happen. If you're already aware, sorry for mentioning the obvious.
As for crate training a pup of this age to sleep through the night, I don't think you'll have much luck. I would think he's not only wanting to get out and play when he cries but also needs to empty his bladder. Pups this age don't have much bladder control. I usually expect to get up at least twice a night for an 8 week old pup. More often than not, it's three times a night but every puppy is different. Being sleep deprived is part of having a puppy, in most cases.
Take up all water after 8 PM. Set an alarm and get him up and take him out on a schedule during the night and during the day. Don't play with him when you are outside on potty breaks. Puppies have a tendency to want to play and explore the world and they don't always realize they're supposed to be doing their business.
Take a flashlight at night (so you know when he goes)and when he pees or poops praise him and then take him right back inside. Don't cuddle or play with him. I don't even talk to them at this time except to praise them doing their business. Give him a small treat when he gets in the crate. Every time. I also keep them on a leash so they can't just wander around exploring or playing.
Provide a safe chew toy for him in his crate. Ignore his cries when he wants out. The fastest way for him to teach you to let him out is to cry piteously until you cave in. This is I find it helps to set an alarm to let him out on a schedule. You will fail at this (not letting him out when he cries) because we all do at least once or twice. He'll get it anyway if you get him on a schedule and wait for at least ten seconds of silence before letting him out. I've even been known to toss a small treat in to quiet a puppy so I can then let them out. You can also squeak a toy or do something to distract him from crying for a few seconds and then let him out.
Dogs learn what works and if crying gets him out of the crate and some play time, they will cry. They quickly associate actions with reactions. They're always learning so make sure it's what you want him to learn not what he wants you to learn. lol
I keep a puppy's crate right next to my bedside. That way I can hear when they start to stir around but before they start to cry. If it's time to take them out to potty, I let them out before they start the full blown crying.
One more piece of unasked for advice. You mentioned taking him to the park. I'm all for socializing puppies and shout it from the rooftops all the time. But parks are places I'd avoid until he's through with all his vaccinations against distemper and parvo. Take him lots of places but either carry him or choose places that don't have lots of dogs around. Again, read up on the critical periods of socialization and how best to accomplish this without undue risk of infectious disease. Good luck.