Hello Edwin, In the long run, crate training, taking pup potty outside once during the night, and getting rid of the pee pads will likely be the easiest way to train. I would start by having pup sleep in the crate at night. If you have a large walk-in closet or master bath off your room, the crate can be in there too and pup not seeing you might help pup make the transition easier. I recommend correcting the crying. Normally, if you can be consistent about ignoring pup’s cries when its not time to go potty yet, most puppies simply learn to go back to sleep on their own, and the first two weeks are just hard. They will likely need one potty trip during the night for a while, but they can learn to go right back to sleep after that potty trip, and this phase is temporary. Since it sounds like letting pup cry it out isn’t feasible in your home, I would move onto correcting. To correct pup, first, work on teaching the Quiet command during the day using the Quiet method from the article linked below. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Second, during the day practice the Surprise method from the article linked below. Whenever pup stays quiet in the crate for 5 minutes, sprinkle some treats into the crate without opening it, then leave the room again. As he improves, only give the treats every 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2, hour, 3 hour. Practice crating him during the day for 1-3 hours each day that you can. If you are home during the day, have lots of 30 minute – 1 hour long sessions with breaks between to practice this, to help pup learn sooner. Whenever he cries in the crate, tell him “Quiet”. If he gets quiet – Great! Sprinkle treats in after five minutes if he stays quiet. If he continues barking or stops and starts again, spray a quick puff of air from a pet convincer at his side through the crate while calmly saying “Ah Ah”, then leave again. Only use unscented air canisters, DON’T use citronella! And avoid spraying in the face. Surprise method: https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate Repeat the rewards when quiet and the corrections whenever he cries. When he cries at night or early morning, after you take pup potty and return them to the crate, or pup cries before 3-4 hours (so you know it’s not a potty issue), tell him Quiet, and correct with the pet convincer if he doesn’t become quiet and stay quiet. Don’t give treats at night/morning though – practice during the day proactively to help pup learn that quiet is good, since you don’t want to encourage pup to stay awake in the early morning, but to go back to sleep instead. During the day, I would resume the Crate Training or Tethering method for potty training. I would get rid of all pee pads, since they aren’t a good long term option for a breed of his size, and continuing to use them can cause confusion, leading to accidents on carpet and rugs. Crate Training and Tethering methods: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside Expect a couple of weeks that are a bit harder, but you should start seeing gradual progress in all those areas. If not, please feel free to check back here and update with how pup is doing and what is and isn’t working. Stay consistent! The more consistent you are, the sooner this gets better in the long run. Pup will have to go potty quite often during the day even while crate training, I recommend letting pup get a treat each time they go outside if they want it, so you don’t have to worry about dehydration. At night, most dogs normally go without water all night long and are perfectly fine unless there is a medical issue that needs to be addressed by your vet. I am not a vet. Puppies will often drink tons of water any time you let them for the fun of it though, so often water needs to be scheduled anyway at this age. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
May 14, 2021