Is This Cruel And Unusual Punishment?

MissBri said:

So I just brought Siri home on Saturday. She's an 8 week old Pom.

Training her has been ridiculous, but obviously it's way early so I'm not worried too much about that. That issue is she just has too much energy to focus, in case someone had tips about that.

My real question: The lesson I'm trying to teach is you won't die if you have to be in your crate for an extended period of time. She doesn't have a problem with her actual crate, as she doesn't mind being in it. So right now I have her in her crate, where I've kept her since about 11am. (It's 3pm now). I don't have it quartered off so she has a lot of space. I put her puppy pad in there, along with food and water and toys. She'll be good for a little while and then get up and start whining and doing this ridiculous sound that sounds like a baby mixed with a cat crying and then eventually go to sleep. I'm in the room with her (so I know she's not injured or anything) but I'm ignoring her so hopefully she will learn that her crying won't get her out, especially if I'm not home.

Is that mean?

PS I have one of those little mesh exercise pens on it's way, so that's really where she'll be on the long days.

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I use the crate with: a bed inside, food bowl, water bowl, safe toys, something safe to chew on.

Being your pup is such a baby yet some crying is expected and also the newness of the whole adventure period. Just remember that even tiny pups need exercise by playing outside their crates or they become anxious and stressed out.

I take my pups/dogs out to go potty every 2 hours at the most ... but generally like to take them out every hour when they are this little. I take them out after they eat or drink a lot, wake up from a nap, or play. I like to play with them for 30 minutes before returning them to their crate. I then put them into the crate and give them a small treat such as a biscuit so they associate the crate with all good things. It is also a good idea to put a kong toy with a few kibbles in it for them to keep busy with .... which also stimulates their little brain. Their brain is a sponge right now at this age. Once again ... a positive experience. Every experience in that crate should be made positive.

If you know your pup has eaten and is full and has gone potty and got to play for a bit and then begins to whine after you put him in the crate ... ignore. When the pup gets quiet ... praise and take out of the crate. The pup will eventually learn that being quiet is the only way out. Finding the balance in your personal situation is the key.

Good luck ... and remember you have just a baby yet. It takes time and patience and all will fall into place if you work hard and try the best you can with positive reinforcement.

Oh ... and congratulations on your new addition!