Re: Where to Start ? Well, great that she likes going into the crate- you definitely have something you can work with there. My little one (now nearly 8 months old) wasn't keen at all on the crate and being shut in when we first got her (lots of crying and scrabbling) but I really wanted her to sleep in her crate. And I just couldn't weather the crying, in addition to needing to keep a husband and 2 children with a decent night's sleep! So on the first night, the crate went in the lounge next to the sofa, and I slept on the sofa with one hand in the crate. Had to put her back in about 100 times (the door was open to get the hand in!!) but eventually she started to settle. A few more nights, and we got as far as sleeping next to pup in crate, without need for hand, as she wasn't worried about being abandoned any more. For a week or two we moved the crate to a corner of our bedroom, as by now I was craving a decent bed. Then out to the landing, then, when she could get through about 6 hours without needing to pee, downstairs to where I had originally wanted it. It seemed like forever at the time, but in a few weeks we had a pup who was happy to be in her crate all night, and during the day if necessary, and we never looked back. Can seem desperate when you're in the middle of it though!!
Re: Where to Start ? Hi David, Rachael is far better at explaining stuff than me, but I would say that already (with regards the crate) that Molly has learned that if she whines and howls, dad comes and gives her loads of attention and she gets her door opened and let out. *result* I think the advice on the crating front (there are resources will try and find them if you haven't seen them) is that you should only let your pup out of the crate when calm and not crying. Sounds harsh perhaps, but otherwise the pup learns the "if I cry I get out" lesson.
Re: Where to Start ? Tricky. You could try getting to a place where you can have the door closed for 1 second without her crying. Then 2, 3, 10 etc. You might even have to start with the door 1/4 closed - reward. Repeat. 1/2 closed, reward, repeat. 3/4 closed...closed 1 second. 2 seconds...
Re: Where to Start ? Hi, I just wanted to come back and thank you all once again. 3-4 days later and the change is huge. Molly will now sleep in her crate with the door shut when she's tired (still a struggle when she's hyper) and also do the same in her pen. I've had one completely clean day in the house and bar one tiny puddle last thing tonight I would have had two. Additionally, she's taken to her crate in the car (no more crying), she's walking on a lead (after a fashion) and she's even learned to sit. I'd like to claim credit for all this, but it's far more likely to be Mother Nature than than anything I've done. Anyway, I just wanted to say we're up and running - and thanks. This is Molly btw.... aka The Princess of Darkness. Molly by davidterrill28, on Flickr
Re: Where to Start ? Soooo lovely Glad things are feeling a bit less chaotic now. Enjoy your lovely little bundle!
Re: Where to Start ? what a beauty she is!!!! i have orion, also a black lab, so perhaps he should be the prince of darkness? (barkness?) ;D
Re: Where to Start ? I refuse to believe that anything that impossibly gorgeous could ever misbehave. No. Not at all. Clare
Re: Where to Start ? ;D I humbly suggest you lot are entirely biased - but thanks for the glowing comments. She is rather cute...
Re: Where to Start ? [quote author=Suthuncat link=topic=4106.msg49236#msg49236 date=1390425744] what a beauty she is!!!! i have orion, also a black lab, so perhaps he should be the prince of darkness? (barkness?) ;D [/quote] Just noticed he was born two days after Molly, Hope all is going well for you.
Re: Where to Start ? Molly is so pretty! I'm pleased to read that the initial training is off to a good start. x
Re: Where to Start ? [quote author=David Tee link=topic=4106.msg49274#msg49274 date=1390466311] [quote author=Suthuncat link=topic=4106.msg49236#msg49236 date=1390425744] what a beauty she is!!!! i have orion, also a black lab, so perhaps he should be the prince of darkness? (barkness?) ;D [/quote] Just noticed he was born two days after Molly, Hope all is going well for you. [/quote] yes - by and large - if we could just get through the BITING stage. :
Re: Where to Start ? Glad you are feeling a bit less frazzled,she is truly gorgeous...you are going to be great pals I can tell ;D x
Re: Where to Start ? See? Told you things would improve!! You have a beautiful little puppy there, by the way..
OK. We're now - goodness me - 6 and a half years on. Molly has been as faithful as a dog can be. The good news is that in the meantime I met and married someone who loves her every bit as much as me. And it is reciprocal. This was from earlier today ...
