You mention not to interact with a puppy unless he is outside and at least 4-5 months. We play with the puppy inside so the kids can get used to him. Should I stop this?

Hi,

I'm sure you get many emails regarding dogs. I have purchased many of your DVDs and read the wonderful articles you have online. We have a 14 week old boxer/lab who has taken to his crate very nicely, always goes potty outside in the same spot and seems to have a nice personality. I ALWAYS keep the dog on a leash, inside and outside (and have never had an accident because of it!). My question is, you mention not to interact with a puppy unless he is outside until 4-5 months. We play with the puppy inside but always on a leash and never more than 30-40 minutes, to let my children (7&8) get used to him so they are not startled by his movements. Should I stop this all together? I am concerned this might cause behavior problems in the future if I let him play in the house before he is ready or understands his place in the family, or is playing inside perfectly fine as long as he is closely supervised? I also take him in the car with me every morning and every afternoon so that he is used to being in the car (he climbs in and out with no help from me). Is he too young for this? We have had dogs before, all with training problems (because of us, of course) and want to make sure not to repeat.

Thanks in advance,
Beverly