[Dam2007]

I just got him a fe days ago (he's 2 1/2 months old). I make sure he is crated most of the day (as per the breeder's instructions, to prevent hypoglycemia and to facilitate house-training), but when I do let him out to play for 10-15 minutes, 5-6 times a day, he is very hyper. He occasionally bites my fingers and arms, and will often chew on inappropriate things like the rug, pillows, blanket, electric cords, etc.

So far, when he does those things, I say "No!" and put one of his chew toys in front of him. I don't know if that's a good idea or not. I want a solution that will lead to long-term results, because I would like to eventually leave him alone uncrated for a few hours.

[briteday]

Instead of crating the dog so much I would make a safe area, preferably on a hard surface floor (easy to clean accidents) like a kitchen. Gate it off with a child gate and put the water bowl, crate, and toys in that area. Hopefully this area would be where there is a lot of interaction with family members so the pup feels included.

It sounds like he is just bored from being cooped up. I agree that he shouldn't be over stimulated but I've never heard of keeping them in a crate most of the day. If you can't be watching him, for housetraining reasons, then he needs to be crated. (at this age he porbably needs to be taken out every 2-3 hours 24/7) But if you are watching him, holding him, or have him tethered to you with a leash (so he can't roam out of your sight) then I think he should be with you as long as you realize that a pup will want to sleep a lot and give him that opportunity. In other words, don't drag him around while you doa day's worth of chores around the house without putting him in the crate to nap periodically.

Also check out the bite inhibition sticky in the training sub-forum.

[Dieselsmama]

Originally Posted by Dam2007

I just got him a fe days ago (he's 2 1/2 months old). I make sure he is crated most of the day (as per the breeder's instructions, to prevent hypoglycemia and to facilitate house-training), but when I do let him out to play for 10-15 minutes, 5-6 times a day, he is very hyper. He occasionally bites my fingers and arms, and will often chew on inappropriate things like the rug, pillows, blanket, electric cords, etc.

So far, when he does those things, I say "No!" and put one of his chew toys in front of him. I don't know if that's a good idea or not. I want a solution that will lead to long-term results, because I would like to eventually leave him alone uncrated for a few hours.

It seems that he's probably frustrated from being so confined, I've never heard anything about crating a new puppy so much, maybe a second opinion about this is in order. Read the article in the training forum about bite inhibition. Replacing inappropriate chewing items with appropriate ones is exactly the idea.

OK, Briteday can type faster than me LOL

[Jen D]

The Chi should be out all the time you are at home and can keep an eye on him.Replacing a toy with your hand is a good thing you are teaching him what is appropriate to chew. Classes would also be good if he is UTD on shots, how old was the Chi when the breeder let it go to you?

[Dam2007]

Originally Posted by Jen D

The Chi should be out all the time you are at home and can keep an eye on him.Replacing a toy with your hand is a good thing you are teaching him what is appropriate to chew. Classes would also be good if he is UTD on shots, how old was the Chi when the breeder let it go to you?

Well he was born on April 26 to be exact, and I got him this past tuesday night.