I'm currently at home with our 12 week pup and just wanted to ask if I'm giving the right amount of attention. He sleep for a bit in the morning then we have a 10 min play/training session/cuddles etc. After lunch he naps again and then about mid afternoon he's up. This is when I usually withdraw some of my attention until teatime and let him play by himself (obviously I still praise when he's making good choices and give him cuddles every so often). I just worry I'm sometimes not giving him enough attention during this part of the day but when I do he can start biting and acting up so I try not to as much. Does this sound ok?
I should just add that I play again with him early evening after feed and walkies and obviously give cuddles etc when he settles on the sofa in the evening - don't want to sound totally heartless!!!
Pups need a lot of sleep and peace and also need to learn to be on their own. I think you are doing a fine job.
Mine is 9 1/2 weeks and playtime with her is about the same. I’m finding she’s better behaved when she naps enough too.
Thanks for your comments and reassurance everyone. This is such a good site with so much brilliant advice. It’s obviously hard work at the mo but I know that when we get past the biting/settling stage we’ll have such a gorgeous lab!
Puppies need loads of sleep! If he's sleeping, let sleeping dogs lie and catch up on you-time in preparation for the next onslaught, that's my advice! It really doesn't last long in the great scheme of things. Good luck! Sounds like you're doing a fine job.
That sounds fine to me too. It’s important not to over-stimulate puppies and avoid over-excitement (easier said than done!), so encouraging him to play by himself is all part of training too.
