I did a search and couldn't find an answer so if I missed it I apologize. Anyway, I just got my first LB Videos and have just finished watching pack structure. One of my questions is this:

When he talks about a period of "Social Isolation" with the crate does this apply to new 8wk old puppies as well? If yes then how does one both burn off that puppy energy, expose the puppy to as many stimuli as possible, and start to build a bond within those first 16 weeks of puppy development?

I have not gotten 8weeks to 8 months yet but it's on the list. Thanks so much in advance

What was the context in which Ed used the term "social isolation?" I don't remember this.

I believe it's when he's speaking about limiting a dogs time out of the crate. Potty-crate, walk-crate. No playing, no toys, affection only after potty.

If I'm understanding him right Ed says that he keeps a new dog I'm assuming adult, in the crate for a varying(depending on the dog) time until the dog earns privilages. ie the privilage to be out and tethered, to play with toys, etc. He says that it may take a week to several weeks for the dog to realize that he "controls every aspect of that dogs life". Also, the aloofness and lack of interaction (taking the dog out to potty or exercise and right back in the crate) I guess that I'm a little unclear on this aspect of the Pack Structure program.

I guess the way that I understand it now is that if you are getting unwanted behavior (crazy jumping, niping that can't be redirected) then you would crate your pup in a kind of timeout. If anyone who has recently had a puppy can comment on their crate usage I'd really appreciate it.

I'm sure I'm confusing something thats quite simple but when the time comes I want to have myself squared away.

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=16&Number=220372&Searchpage=4&Main=21734&Words=Alyssa+Myracle&topic=0&Search=true#Post220366

Hi Eric,

Here's how I approached it with my pup. All sleeping time was spent in the crate. Any time he was awake and I couldn't give him my undivided attention, he was in the crate. If he was acting like a total dingbat, he went into the crate.

My pup did not spend 23 hours out of 24 crated. Not at all. He spent the vast majority of his waking hours out with me. Young pups sleep a lot so being in the crate for those periods of time is not a big deal. And they learn that the crate is a safe, comfy place to be.

I hope that helps.

Thanks Sarah and thanks to all. Have a Merry Christmas!