Crate crying

[Novel]

mmorgan310 -
Although sniffing around is a good indication that they need to go out and relieve themselves, you can do a few other things to encourage pottying outside.
1st, after playing, eating and napping they will usually have to go to the bathroom, about 15 minutes or so after they stop this activity. When you go outside, make sure to take treats and a book (for reading while you wait). If the weather is yucky, dress appropriately, and then just wait. If you have an enclosed area, you can let them wander around, if you have them leashed go to the area that you want them to use. If they sit on top of your feet, let them, eventually they will get bored with that, or realize they need to go more than they need your comfort. After they have gone potty, make sure to praise and treat them, and for me, when they go potty, I say quietly, "go potty" so they associate the word with the action. Say it softly though or you may distract them and they'll forget what they're supposed to be doing.
My rule of thumb is do not go back inside until after they have gone potty, even if it take an hour. At 8 weeks they need to go about every two hours, so you won't wait forever.
Also, when they are inside loose, make sure you are watching them. If you are simply not able to watch them, place them in their crate with a toy and something to chew on. When you let them out of the crate, make sure to make a potty break before resuming other activities.

Good Luck!

[Kuchi]

I actually did bring Kuchi back inside to his crate if he didn't go (he hated going in the crate from the start). I gave him 10 min. no potty, then he's dilly dallying, crate 15 min, try again. Now he goes within 5 min everytime we're outside. (This advice is from the book, "Great Dogs, Good Owners" by Kilcommons.) All trainers told me stay outside with him, but I have stuff to do! Its up to you. Teaching potty on command is a time saver too!
And no playing until they potty that way they don't think they can play with you for awhile then potty.
Its a tough and frustrating time.

[Novel]

Kuchi, I have done the same thing with the same success. If they don't have to go bad enough to go right away, then a few minutes in their crate will maybe give them a bit more of the urge to go when you go outside again. Crates are invaluable!!

[keekers]

also- when they fall asleep during the day as puppies sleep a lot, gently pick her up without waking the pup, & put her in the crate on her comfy blanket or whatever. leave the door open so she knows is an ok place to go. we did this with lucy from day 1 & she is fine to go in when we ask. we just say "kennel" & she is good to go. granted it takes a while but keep doing it. also drape a sheet over it or something for the den feeling...

[Pomeranianloverx6x33]

Well i usually try putting a warm water bottle and a ticking clock ( so substitute for its mothers warmness and beating heart.)
it ususally works =)

[FISSY]

I remember when I first crated my 8 week old chesapeake bay retriever...oh my gosh....he screamed and cried so much..at one point he actually lost his voice. It was sooo hard to do the crate training..listening to your pup...but ya really do know that he's fine..he's fed,went potty,loved. I have to say..it was a good thing to do in the end. I have crate trained everyone of my dogs since then. Good luck and stick with it. It will get better!