Ive had a bit of a stressful day with Otis. He has been eating his poo, he managed to do it in a place, where I didn't see and didn't get to it in time, he does seem to know its wrong though, which is quite strange, as he runs away from it when I come near. Anyway, the real thing that is bothering me, is that Ive been putting him in his crate quite a bit, because he has been mouthing me, and or play biting and its got really painful. I could put him in his room, but im worried he will chew through the phone again. He dosent mind going in his crate he usualy curls up and goes to sleep, and if he wimpers or barks, I wait till he is quiet and let him out. Its just making me feel so guilty ! He is in his crate most of the morning, which I think is okay as this is when he sleeps, or he sleeps on a big cushion out of his crate. I think also it might help with toilet training as he never wees or poos in his crate. I did try turning my back and ignoring him when he mouths and nips, but he just bites the backs of my legs !Don't get me wrong, Otis is a great pup, he is quite calm most of the time, and I really love him. Maggie
Re: crating Otis Oh Gosh Maggie,I've never had any poo eating so I can't help....... I would feel exactly the same if Dexter was crated so long and there has never been a reason I have had to,but this may put your mind at rest.If Dexter has had his normal exercise in the morning ie 40 minute walk,off and on lead ,his groom and a bit of a mess around with Chris before work,if nothing else happens in the morning,he pretty much sleeps for 4 hours anyway.....sometimes behind his gate,sometimes where ever he fancies downstsirs,sometimes he will just go and lie in his crate himself .If Otis is relaxed and content and you need to get on with things and him be safe.....I can't see in the short term there will be any harm done.If he's not whining,he isn't distressed by it....lets see what other advice you get,never forget I'm doing this first time round and don't know much! We all know you love Otis Cronk The Phone Wire Chomper to bits...... you are just another responsible owner trying to do your best and picking your way through as things and days like this happen.your are doing great x
Re: crating Otis Maggie, I am a novice too, but you could try to do some short training sessions with Otis to maybe relieve a little of his puppy boredom, just some sits, downs, retrieving etc. to get his little brain going and maybe he won't eat poo and won't need to be put in his crate for any length of time and it could reduce the mouthing. Do them a few times a day when you see him getting a bit lively. I don't know maybe someone else will have better advice for you. We know you love him and you will sort it out please don't worry. Helen x
Re: crating Otis Hi, Thanks for the kind advice. Yes I will try and play with him more, perhaps he is getting a bit bored. I have been doing quite a bit though retrieves and recall , and sits, which I think he is really enjoying. Just realised looking at my diary, he is four months old ! Time flys ! So I can give him an extra five minutes on his walk. x
Re: crating Otis Mine was a poo eater too. Revolting - but they do seem to grow out of it eventually.... I wouldn't worry too much about crating him for a couple of hours, especially if he just sleeps! You need puppy-free time too. Hang in there, things will get much easier over the next couple of months.
