Puppy Blues !

[Trek420]

My dog was an adult when I got her, aprox 9 mo - 1 1/2 old. She was house trained, someowhat trained-trained and fixed when I got her.

Good news about an adult dog is you know that dog you're going to get.

Bad news is you miss the puppy period where you get to "form" the dog you're gonna get. Especially when I see a pup I wish I'd seen her then.

Good news again is....I missed the puppy period. Yes I would have to get up in the middle of the night, potty training etc.

It's hard to be a "single parent of a dog" I know, I'm sorry that it's difficult for you.

I am not a dog trainer but a couple things stand out. The long play times for one when you get home, a puppy has a pretty short attention span.

I read that at first 10-15 minute training times are best. Mutiple times perhaps but end on a high note (success!) and keep it short for the little pup.

And 12 hours in a crate is a long time for any dog I think.

Mae is crate trained but I never leave her in longer than 4 hours. Once it ended up being 8 hours but that's rare. I make sure she's been exercised, fed, had water and gotten to go before she's in.

I'm very lucky to have found a neighbor who walks Mae twice a week. I trust her and Mae just loves her.

I have read that letting the dog sleep in the bedroom helps to bond the dog to you. Mae is not allowed on the bed itself or any furniture, but she sleeps in her own bed on the floor or sometimes in her crate. For dogs I read that even the smells and sounds that we might ignore (well, snoring we don't ignore) help her feel bonded with me (her pack). We spend so much time away from our pets and this doesn't make up for it but can help.