Blog posts of '2013' 'November'

It is important to recognize that what your puppy is reacting to is being alone in the cage away from you. She most likely has never been alone until now. There is no instant solution to that problem, she needs to learn that is okay to be alone and rest or play in the palace and that you will return and interact with her again at some point. Trying to wear her down, be sure she has eaten before you place her in the cage, giving her a couple treats when you put her in, always use the cover if you intend for her to sleep and usually have the palace in a separate room are all part of a good plan. You cannot go back to the palace until she has been quiet for at least 30 minutes. Having a favorite toy or two in the palace and using praise and treats when she has accepted being in the cage is helpful.
She does not have control over elimination until around 12 weeks of age so she cannot postpone elimination yet. This means that the appropriate elimination area has to be close by and you need to repeatedly take her to that area when you are with her to create the opportunity for success. She cannot be expected to go to that area unless you teach her that. You can also encourage use of the pad by confining her to a small pen attached to the cage or placing the cage in a small room after the first week or so, also you can take the tray and attached pad with you if she is going to be farther from the palace.  Expecting her to return to the palace for elimination while having free run of your home is not going to be practical until she approaches 4 months of age.

Before trying to answer your questions can you tell me what your long term training goal is?  Also how much time she is spending in her crate?  Are you away from her for extended periods?

He'll have to be in his crate during the school day; although my mom has been "puppy sitting" so he hasn't been alone for more than a few hours. He will urinate in the crate or on a pad in the kitchen for the most part. I bought that the house training aid to spray, but don't think it's working. We put him in a bathroom if he has an accident.  He is much less reliable with pooping. I was wondering about making sure he spends time in his crate right after he eats? I feel like we're starting to veer off course. Thank you.

The time he spends with your mom may be confusing in that he may be too far from pad/ crate when the need arises. He should be in the crate whenever not actively engaged in play.

After play or eating it is best to carry him back to the area where the crate is either in a small play pen or bathroom. Once he spends more time in the crate while you are away it will likely go better.

It sounds like we may be giving him too much freedom? When one if us is home, we let him wander around the house. Is that okay?

For short periods after he eliminates but not before. Going from crate, to crate in small area, to free roam over the first 3 weeks is ideal.