We have a 7 week, almost 8 week chocolate boy. While we're home, all of his time is spent in the living room/kitchen with us, his crate is also present so he goes in there and hangs out by himself sometimes. At night I move his crate into the bedroom next to our bed. He sleeps quietly like a good boy and when I take him outside to pee and poop he comes right back in his crate and off to sleep again. We both are gone for work from 8am-5pm during the week, I put him and his crate in a play pen in the bathroom (washable floors and less echo than kitchen), there are puppy pads all over for him to use. We also have someone come let him out around 11am-11:30 and my girl friend comes home from about 12:30-1:45, so he's taken out and played with at those times. My question is, would it be more difficult for him to be in the bathroom since he's never in there while we're home? Should I place him in his play pen with his crate in the bathroom more while we are home so he can get used to it? Or maybe move the play pen and crate into the kitchen while we're gone since that's already a familiar place to him?
I guess I would start with asking why you want to move him into the bathroom in the first place? I guess I'm a little confused about what you are asking. It sounds like he spends quite a bit of time in the bathroom already, getting out to a different area would be a good thing, I would think. I am a little concerned that such a young puppy is spending quite so much time alone, though, he is bound to get into mischief, and you are going to find that toilet training is going to take quite a bit longer if you are not there to take him out on a regular schedule. It's good you have people stopping by to let him out and play during the days though, that will help. I have never had to deal with having a puppy while I worked, I had fortunate circumstances that allowed me to be at home with my dogs when they were pups. There are others on the forum who manage this well, though, I'm sure you will get some advice from them as to how best to cope with this.
Sorry I can't help with your question, because I am at home with my dog, but wanted to welcome you to the forum.
Hello from my 2 year old yellow girl Molly and me. I would start by saying he is very young to have left his mum, so try to look at it from his point of view. If he is used to the kitchen when you are there, it is probably best to leave him there (suitably contained) when you are not. Think ahead. He is only a cute little chap now, but what are you going to do with him in the future when he is a large full grown dog. Will you feel happy about shutting him in the bathroom for long periods. You clearly love him and are doing your best for him. Can I suggest "The Happy Puppy Book", it came out after Molly had passed through the puppy stage, but I have both of Pippa's other books and they are full of good advice, common sense and are very readable.
