Hey Everyone,

I got my second puppy (I'll write more on those experiences in the appropriate forum). Suffice to say it has been one of the most challenging things I've ever done.

In this forum, can anyone please critique this schedule for the 8 week old pup?

Early Morning

3:00 am Quick Pee-Pee Walk
3:15 am Crated

Morning

5:30 am Play Time/Food/OB Training
7:45 am Last Pee-Pee / Poopy Walk
8:00 am Crated

Noon Time

11:00am Play Time/Excercise in Yard
12:45pm Last Pee-Pee / Poopy Walk
1:00 pm Crated

Night Time

6:00 pm Play Time/Food/OB Training
7:45 pm Last Pee-Pee / Poopy Walk
8:00 pm Water Comes Up / Crated

Late Night

11:00 pm Quick Pee-Pee Walk
11:15 pm Crated

Time in Crate per day: 17
Time out of Crate per day: 7

Average "Hold Time": 3.4 Hours

Is this alright?
Thanks!
David Chau

throw the schedule in the garbage, relax and enjoy puppyhood. they grow up way too fast. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have to say, this is totally unacceptable for me PERSONALLY. A pup in a box for 17-18 hrs a day is cruelty. I know that's a personal opinion, a personal standard. And many people disagree with me. But if you can't build a kennel where the dog can have some freedom, some room to play, amuse himself, heck just stretch his legs, then you don't need to have him. Sorry, but that's how I feel.

I agree with Lee, those growing bones need some more movement! Your extended crate times of 8-11 am, 1-6 pm and 8-11 pm could be shortened. These are family times and times when the pup should be out interacting. Socialization is important at this age. I did not have my pup in her crate for more than 12 hours a day at this stage. Yes, they sleep a lot, but they need to learn, explore and grow. Maybe if your kitchen is suitable and puppy-proofed, you could put a child gate across the opening.

I admire your dedication (and time-keeping) with your pup, but this is where I agree with Patricia, more time with pup, less time with pencil! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

What is the obedience your doing?

LOL - Guys, I've only had her 3 days. I guess that's why I like this board. So much up front answers.

Its funny. CRATE CRATE CRATE .. All I read is how much a crate is necessary in training and development.

Can someone please point to the Leerburg link where it talks about how much actual time a pup should spend in the crate? I couldn't find it anywhere, so I posted the schedule. Its better I ask now and modify their schedules than in a year.

The other thing that I hear is that puppies and dogs need routine and consistency. LOL - So I try to work the crate and routine. Sorry if I don't know what I'm doing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> We ARE really trying hard. I must not have slept in three days now. But we never intend to mess up these nice pups.

Sorry for those of you who don't approve of my "pencil" method. I'm an engineer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I have to write things down or they either don't get done, or are done way too late. Just a flaw of mine. Bet HEY, consider that too much schedule is better than none at all (could be argued). Fact is, I'm dedicating time to them, not just trying to "let them out of confinement".

My wife and I will try to squeeze a bit more time into the schedule. But we both work. I took this week off (using a vacation week) JUST to acclimate the 8 week old pup. I'm EASING her into our lifestyle. Vacation times don't come easy, but I know this was the right thing to do. I have nothing else planned. Not going anywhere. Its just eat, try to sleep, PUPS.

Also, please consider the following.

When they are out for 7 hours. This is a SOLID 7 hours of our attention. We are not on the computer. We are not cooking. We are not having our own conversation. My wife and I are dedicating 100% of our attention watching and interacting with the pups during their time out.

The other thing to consider is that 80% of the time they are in the crate They are asleep. The otherwise they are quietly listening to their stereo.

They have a LOT of excercise. We go for trail walks. Play hide-and-seek (yes, everyday). We play ball-and-string (yes, everyday). We supervise them romping in the back yard (yes every non-raining day).

Obedience training consists of all the basic commands. Sit. Sit-Stay. Down. Down-Stay. Come and eye-contact excercises. This is done as we hand-feed them their meals everyday. They are separated during feedings sothey can concentrate and focus a bit. My wife and I rotate who feeds who. When they finally go to their crate, they are well excercised and tired out. Make no mistake of that.

They are not on the kitchen floor "entertaining themselves" because truth is, they do that in the crate with their toys (if they're even awake). Their crates are in next to each other in their own private play room. I have a lot of good video clips of them having nightly "conversations". They are never alone. Sometime I could swear they are giggling.

On weekends we have outings. The week before, we went to Ikea to meet the people. Last week we went to the Outlet. We don't go to shop. We do it just for the pups to "socialize" them and "expose them to outside things".

If you're imagining some horrid 17 hour encaged animals with a few hours of nominal freedom, please drop that image now.

Now, having qualified that (so you people don't call PETA on me). I'll see if I can work in a little more time (perhaps if I don't shower or pee .. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ).

I assumed that the time spent with you was good quality time, and that's great. You're spending enough time with her. And right at this moment while she's itty bitty, the crate is plenty big enough. But that's gonna last all of about MAYBE 4 months, and then she's gonna be so much bigger that she'll just fit in that box and that's the part that bothers the heck out of me. She won't be able to stand up without holding her head low, she can't sit normally, she can only wad up and lay still. Great life. Can I lock you in your bedroom closet for 18 hrs a day? Heck, we sit at a desk for 8 hrs and sleep for 8 so what's the big deal, right? It's called UNCOMFORTABLE. Lack of stretching your muscles, USING your body alittle. Heck, I'm stiff if I sit at a desk too long, but I can get up and get a cup of coffee and get the kinks out. I LOVE that you are trying so hard for this girl, and god knows there are a bazillion dog owners out there who aren't trying half as hard as you are. But if someone asks my opinion, you're gonna get it! A crate is not a HOME for a dog, it is a temporary measure used for avoiding problems when you can't supervise the dog for short periods. The articles on this website are Ed's and reflect his opinion; not everyone agrees.

Thanks for the concern Lee.

Trust me, I'm working with the best intentions here. I'm not someone who is asking for a forum to condone 7 hours out. I was really just asking a question. We are now working on fitting more time into our schedules for them.

I bought her a large enough crate to fit her maximum size. A top quality insulated wired dog crate. I am currently using a divider to fit her right size gearing toward housebreaking. She is also a slow maturing breed. She won't be to her full size for quite some time.

In four month I hope to have her housebroken. Then she can have a much larger area to live in. I personally HATE the idea of a stupid crate. I'm just doing it because every single expert is saying CRATE CRATE CRATE. None of my wife's previous dogs ever had a crate, so this is all new to us.

Once again, thanks for your input.

David Chau

LOL LOL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> David, I think you and your wife are doing a great job with your pups. OK, I understand the pencil part! At least your up front with your questions and honest. And most importantly, your striving to do the best for your pups. And no, I've never imagined you as doing any cruelty to your pup. Regimented, yes. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Personally, other than bedtime, I don't let the crate time extend beyond three hours. I work with my dogs and they are subjected to driving around in a vehicle for extended periods. During this time I will break every two hours. I admit I'm a bit anal about the care of my dogs, but hey, that's my prerogative! During the off time, I have a secure outdoor area that they can romp in.

Good Luck with your pups, for you all normal life has ended for the next year. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />