Morningstar wrote:
What a cutie, Adam!
Asparagus Queen wrote:
Cages aren't evil or bad if they are the right size.
Lots of people crate train. Some people say it is the only way to go. Some people disagree. Asparagus Queen is right, cages aren't evil. As long as the puppy isn't locked in it 24 hours a day.
Keeping the puppy in some small enclosure while you are gone or sleeping--whether it is a cage or a small room with a door or baby gate--is essential. You don't want the puppy roaming all over the house because not only can it chew everything in sight or pee any place it wants (which is no fun for anyone), it can get into real danger. Like decide to chew on an electrical cord or jump up and knock over that tasty houseplant that just might be poisonous. Or chew up something that gets stuck inside its intestines or causes it to choke.
And, by not penning it up, you really run the risk of never being able to potty-train it. Because it never learns that it is supposed to go in one particular place.
Also, keeping it confined while you are gone/asleep/busy is important because you are establishing the ground rules. Some dogs insist on being the alpha of the household. Penning up a dog tells it that you are the boss of the house, not him.
Before my old dog Rover died.
He jumped over the gate well we were gone.
He roamed around the whole house and then pooped on the carpet.
So we are making sure Rocky doesn't do that.
We let him walk around the house alot, but we try to stay near him as much as possible.
Edit:
HE IS A SHE!
Set=Kitten Medli
Adam+Liz=<3
Liz: Well. That proves how good everyone's memories are.
Me: Well I have no memor........What did you just say?