Hello

Sallylou · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:40 pm Post subject: Hello

We are getting a black 8 week old puppy soon, very excited. it is a long time since we had a puppy, having filled the time in between with children (now aged 11 and Cool

, and we feel very 'rusty'!

The things that are bothering me right now are how the crate training process works, and how long it is acceptable to leave a pup, either in a crate or not.

We want to start training asap, especially the crate as we understand from other lab owners that this is an invaluable tool (especially if you get a big 'chewer' Laughing

). Do you need to build up gradually or can you just pop the pup in for the first night and leave him to it?

I work part time, and am anxious we do not leave him too long alone, but having had a Weimaraner with separation anxiety, we are now suffering with "separation anxiety anxiety" and desperate to make sure the new baby learns to be alone OK, as quickly as possible.

Any advice much appreciated, I am sure there is a wealth of experience here, and am very much looking forward to chatting with everyone.

Kind regards
Sallylou (& family)

mellymel · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:48 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forums!!!

We use a crate for Lionel, we started on day one.....as soon as we arrived home with him we put him in the garden first then into his crate (door open) for a sniff around! His first night he cried once but no accidents and the same goes for the second night. By the third night he had got the idea that he was supposed to be sleeping, and he was fine! He goes in his crate for his meal times, time out and for general sleeping throughout the day! He loves it.....he buries his toys in their under his bedding, and is always keen to get in it when we have to go out.

The maximum time Lionel has been left in his crate, other than over night, is 4 1/2 hours. I would recommend that this was the maximum time left in there during the day, and I think most people on here would say the same. If the dog is to be left all day then its essential that someone comes in to break up the day for him....play with him and let him out for the toilet!

Our crate has been invaluable. Highly recommended!

colette · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:50 pm Post subject:

Hi Sallylou,

welcome to the forum!

we had a crate from day one and would be lost without it. I do believe everyones first few weeks are different.

My first night with Milo in his crate was a 'cry all night' one and in the end I dragged the crate into my bedroom. So I would suggest making the crate, warm, cosy and a place of comfort. Maybe put an old T-shirt you have been wearing in with him. Some people use hot water bottles and ticking clocks/radios to create some sound for comfort as this will be the pups first night away from the rest of the litter. It can be hard sleepless nights for the first few weeks, or it could be brilliant and you get one that zonks straight away. The pup will also be needing toilet breaks through the night until they get used to not soiling the area.

In the day, people often start with five minutes in the crate while you go out to get them used to it and gradually build up the time. But if you feed your pup and give them toys etc in the crate, they will soon get used to it. Now Milo goes to his crate voluntarily, day and night to go and have a snooze. Everyone has different techniques but I think all these little tips might help you along the way. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

VJH · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:51 pm Post subject:

Hello and welcome - how exciting waiting for your puppy to arrive. i have had Ruby for 3 weeks and I remember counting the days off (and minutes on the last day Embarassed

- no really am sure my threads are still around in puppy section Laughing

)

We put Ruby in the crate from day 1 - she loved it we got her in the evening and she slept in it first night (not all night though some howling but now its only 1 pee break a night)

I work from home 3 days a week and in the office twice - on the days i am in the office she is on her own in the crate from 8am-12pm and again from 1-5pm.

I built her up to this over a period of 2 weeks - leaving her for 10 mins then 15 the next day etc etc.

I even videod her Embarassed

when i left her to see if she did whine. She never ever did and even on the days I am home with her goes into her crate for most of the day snoozing.

The crate is a god send - i wouldnt be without it. Ruby is a chewer so at least we know our house will be in one piece when we return from the shops Laughing

We also have a cat so it also put my mind at rest to keep them apart.

My vets has a training school and we have ruby on training classes - started last week. They take them between 1st and second vaccinations. we did do sit off and the bite inhibition stuff from day 1 too - loads and loads of really good stuff on here that you can browse through too.

I have probably posted every silly puppy novice question on here over the last month or so - all the responses have been SO quick and such help I am sure i wouldnt have got through any of the first few weeks without all these wonderful folks. Laughing

When do you get your bundle of joy?

Hersheys · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:52 pm Post subject:

Hi and welcome

I never had a crate with Hershey but he was never a big chewer I guess I was really lucky

Good luck with your bundle Very Happy

Sallylou · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:06 pm Post subject:

Oh, that all sounds so positive! I have been really stressing about this. My in-laws came tonight and we mentioned the crate, they were a bit horrified I think, but when you understand the purpose it makes so much sense! Anyway, I work from 9-2 on Mon/wed/fri, and hubby will pop back around 12 each of those days, so Inca will only be in the crate around 3 hours max, three times a week. I don't think that is excessive is it? We plan to walk him to the bus stop with our 11 year old each morning, once he's had his jabs, that is about a thirty minute round trip, so hopefully he will be knackered after that and ready for a big sleep Laughing

(I will be also, if I end up carrying him, I reckon by 8 weeks he will be a bit of a porker!!)
Well, I'm sure I'll be chatting with you again soon.
PS my little girl is 8, for some reason a smiley came up instead of her age in my original posting, not because she actually looks like that !!!
Sallylou

_Mary_ · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:54 pm Post subject:

Like all but Karen, I have a crate for CJ as well, he loves his too, has his meals in it, goes in when I go out, having a bonio is probably a big help!, he only gets those when I`m going out for a while though.

I notice no ones mentioned the size of crate to get, rather than start small and have to spend more as pup grows, get a 42", it`ll be huge to start with but if you fill out the back with a large box, it`ll make Inca feel more at home in a smaller space to begin with. Ebay is the best place to get one btw, by far the cheapest!.

Welcome to LF, look forward to seeing pics of pup when s/he joins the family Very Happy

Fay · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:54 pm Post subject:

Hi Sallylou,

Welcome to the forums - hope you enjoy it here Very Happy

Just thought I'd better mention the recommended exercise is 5 minutes per month of age, per day. So for 30 minutes the pup would need to be 6 months.
So you might need to be carrying him for a bit Very Happy

ozzysfamily · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 11:59 pm Post subject:

A warm welcome to LF and you will get any advice,help and support you need here. Its been a great help for me even just reading through the threads.

Sallylou · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:33 pm Post subject:

Getting excited now, only two more days and then we go to collect our new puppy, Inca. We set the crate up tonight with blanket over, vet bed, bowls etc, and the children have spent all evening playing in it Laughing

Just wondered if there is anyone on here who lives anywhere near me, I am in East Cheshire / South Manchester area. There seem to be lots of people meeting up for walks etc, just wondered if any round this part of the world.

Sally