When it comes to the question of whether or not to put water in your puppy’s crate overnight, the general consensus among experts is that it is best to avoid doing so. This is particularly true if you are in the process of potty training your puppy.
One of the main reasons for this is that puppies have small bladders and a limited ability to hold their urine for extended periods of time. If you leave water in the crate overnight, it increases the chances that your puppy will need to relieve themselves during the night. This can lead to accidents in the crate, which can be both messy and unpleasant for both you and your puppy.
Additionally, having water available in the crate overnight can disrupt the potty training process. The goal of potty training is to teach your puppy to hold their bladder and bowels until they can be taken outside to eliminate. By removing access to water during the night, you are helping to limit the need for your puppy to go to the bathroom during that time.
Of course, it is important to ensure that your puppy stays hydrated throughout the day. You can provide water to your puppy at regular intervals and monitor their intake to make sure they are getting enough fluids. It is recommended to offer water to your puppy 2-3 hours before bedtime and then take them outside to eliminate right before going to sleep.
While it may seem like denying your puppy access to water overnight is a bit harsh, it is important to remember that puppies have different needs and limitations when it comes to their bathroom habits. By being proactive in managing their water intake and eliminating opportunities for accidents, you are setting them up for success in their potty training journey.
In my personal experience, I have found that not leaving water in the crate overnight significantly helped in potty training my puppy. By closely monitoring their water intake and taking them outside to eliminate right before bedtime, we were able to minimize accidents and speed up the potty training process.
It is generally best to avoid leaving water in your puppy’s crate overnight, especially if you are in the process of potty training them. Puppies have small bladders and limited ability to hold their urine, so providing water in the crate can increase the chances of accidents. By closely monitoring their water intake and taking them outside to eliminate before bedtime, you can help set your puppy up for success in their potty training journey.