New puppy advice

[Ladyhawk]

Some of you know I have a dog Jess, who is eight now. This past December I adopted a puppy who had been running wild pretty much since birth. He was caught when he was about six months old, in foster care for two months, and then I adopted him. So, in addition to puppy-hood, he's had a lot of other stuff to adjust to. He's incredibly smart and has bonded well. I adopted Jess when she was two, so I don't know much about puppies. I've puppy-proofed the house as much as I know how, but he still manges to find stuff to chew. The day I came home to a giant hole in my leather sofa was not a happy moment. Some people say to crate him while I'm at work, but that's 7 to 8 hours and it seems like a lot of time for him to be in there. I walk or run with him every day, he has toys to chew, and we work on training in the evening, so I don't think it's lack of stimulation (although as a puppy, maybe he needs constant stimulation?)

Anyone with more experience than I have? Do I just need for him to grow up a bit more?

[longdog2]

Puppies love to chew. He should grow out of it by the time he is two or so . Is there a room you could contain him in with less tempting targets or at least ones you wouldn't care so much about? Be sure you get him used to the RV too if you plan to take him with you. That way he won't get car sick or think he is just on the way to the vet. Good luck.

[avalen]

hi Amy, crate training is always good but I'd recommend an xpen and an open crate inside
the xpen with a poddy area. You could set the xpen up in a corner of a room that you feel
would be safest. Xpens come in different sizes and height and depending on the dog, some
have tops as well. Good luck with the training process.
You didn't mention what type of little puppy you got, a larger breed dog or smaller?

[Ladyhawk]

I hope the links work. I haven't been on Photobucket in a long time. The shelter isn't exactly sure what kind of dog Timmy is. (His foster mom named him Timmy because he was so timid.) He's a small guy, maybe part Jack Russel?

He's been in the RV on three trips now and has done really well, taking most of his cues from Jess. He doesn't like to look out the window when we're driving, just peeks his head up, then hides. I'll look into the pen. I tried to make my own with baby gates, but he managed to get out of those. He is truly adorable though, and he's helping us keep the house clean.

[Bethers]

Aw, what a cutie. I never used crate training - well tried on one dog who it wouldn't work with so just never did again. That said, there is chewing. All I can suggest is that you have LOTS of things for him to chew on - and make sure he knows those are his. And, yes, maybe confining him to a smaller area - maybe the kitchen? for long times gone. The problem will be your other dog - as either you do both, or then the other dog can't get in that room.

And there isn't anything wrong with crate training - when done correctly.

[retiredhappy]

Xpens are only good if your dog will stay in them. Both my big guys are perfectly happy to nap inside the xpens. Sophie will stay in them just until someone walks up and starts talking to me then she just climbs out to come visit. I do like traveling with xpens (I have two that I hook together) so the guys can be outside without being tangled up in leashes.

Don't think there is anything you can do outside of locking him in a utility room or bathroom with less to chew on. Puppies chew - fact of life. USUALLY they outgrow it. When I first got Buddy I left out some new shoes - favorite kind and I had just bought two brand new pairs - he chewed the left shoe of both pairs so I wasn't even left with one good pair. Never chewed anything again. Go figure.

[Forestgal]

Jed was crated for the first 4 years of his life. He's got a LARGE crate with a doggy door leading out to a 4X8' run in the backyard (although I don't think he spends any time outside).

If the crate is large enough your puppy should be fine. If he sleeps through the night you know he's capable of not having to go potty for that length of time. That's how I judged whether or not Jed was okay in his crate while I was at work all day.

Crate training can be a very valuable "tool" and come in really handy when your dogs must be contained. If you make it a pleasurable experience for him (giving him a special treat every time he goes in) everyone might be happier in the long run. Remember, they sleep most of the time while you're gone -- unless they're busy being destructive.

Jed's been free in the house for the past 6 months with absolutely no destructive behavior. But I'm really careful not to leave anything tempting for him to chew on, either.

You've got nothing to lose, and a whole lot of money to save by crating your pooch until he's older and more reliable.

Laura -- and Jed

[BirdbyBird]

What she said......if the pup can make it through the night dry he should be able to make it through the day using a crate. I have always used crates but then I have always had multiple dogs and found that for long periods of time it was so much safer. My golden retrievers generally end up with full house rights....after the first years. The dogs adjust to it and the "kennel" becomes part of their routine (and they like the small treat when they go in too.) Between the crate and a nice Nylabone or two, the day will buz by for the pup and you won't have to worry about finding holes in the furniture or making an emergency run to the vet for surgery. Knowing they are crate trained also means that when you are traveling whether in the RV or a motel room the dog can feel the security of being crated.

[Ladyhawk]

Thanks for your help and guidance. I'll let you know how it goes.

[bluepinecones]

Good luck. When Nicky first came to live with me, his chewing was VERY EXPENSIVE over the first few months. However, he did get over it and rarely chews on any "no" items. I did not try the crate but wish I had. This might also offer some helpful pointers
http://www.longliveyourdog.com/CareGuide/CareBehavior/CareBehaviorThings/Chewing.aspx

[WickedLady]

You might go to a butcher shop if you have one and get some raw (not cooked) knuckle bones for him to chew on. That will keep him busy and he will be so tired of chewing that your stuff should be safe. They will also keep his teeth clean.

[Nasoosie]

When I first got Molly, she was in a crate from the time I left for teaching (6:30 am) until I got home at 3:00 pm. She never peed, ate her bedding there, or seemed to mind going in in the mornings. All I had to say was "Hut time", and make sure she had clean water and comfy bedding, and then toss in a couple of milkbones, and she would RUN in! I felt better knowing she was safer in there, not able to chew anything up, not able to chase the cats (I had 4) and then I took her for a long walk when I got home. She was crated for the two years! She still will go into her car 'hut' with no coaxing whatsoever---she has always viewed her 'Hut' as security, I think. The cost of a crate is not cheap, but can be worth it to allow your peace of mind and her security. I can still use a crate whenever I need to leave her in an environment I am unsure of.

[WickedLady]

It is always a good idea to get a puppy used to being crated. I don't know about out there but Craigs List has used crates for sale all the time out here.

[rvgrammy1953]

He sure is a sweetie....looks like there might be a little Jack Russell in him...(has the same nose and ears as Spinner, just brown instead of white and black.... ) Spinner will chew a squeaky toy until he gets the squeaker.....not good...he loves his tug toys, both rope type and the ones with the nylon mesh...and they don't end up in pieces like the others.....we haven't had a puppy around in years, but when we did, we confined them in a corner of the kitchen with gates when we weren't home...also the bathroom works, too....my sister crate trains and that works for her....good luck and keep us posted....