So, spinning off the "Puppy and 2 year old" thread....

Separation is the key. Got it! Thanks! But I have some questions that weren't answered by the "8 weeks to 8 months" video.

Crating-
In the video, Ed states that unless the he can devote his complete attention to the dog, he keeps it in the crate. Well, obviously Kaz is in the crate when we aren't home (usually when I'm at school and Ty is at work) and when we're in bed at night. He's also crated to keep him separated from the two year old when I can't be there to watch them both. Is it possible for Kaz to spend too much time in the crate? He's out for excercise twice a day, a walk at night and then when I can safely watch them both together and to do mini training sessions.

Excercise-
At 5/6 months of age, how much should he be getting? I liked the idea of 2 ball shown in the video, but he says not to do it with young puppies. Is playing fetch with him in the backyard sessions for 20-30 minutes okay? Not enough? Too much? What kind of backyard "games" do y'all recommend?
We also take him for a walk in the neighborhood which turns out to be about 1/8 mile (for one half the neighborhood loop). The entire neighborhood loop is 1/2 mile.

Issues when walking-
The major one is that any barking dog in the neighborhood (and I think almost everyone in the neighborhood has at least one dog) and he sits, pulls back on the leash and is visibly frightened (to the point of shaking). Our vet recommended keeping treats in our pocket or hand so that he can smell them and follow the scent of the treats and not be distracted by the barking dogs. This is only partially effective. How do we get him to be more 'brave'?
If he's not being a scaredy cat he's trying to chase after the 3 year old (who rides his little bicycle in front of us). So if he's trying to keep up with the 2 year old, then he's in front...which is a no no in pack structure. So I try to grab the leash lower so that he doesn't have enough slack to get ahead of me...but he still fights it. Is he too young to use a prong collar for walks?


I think that's it for now. I'm sure we'll have more along the way.

oops, sorry. I think I got this under the wrong forum. Feel free to move it.

 Quote:

Is it possible for Kaz to spend too much time in the crate?

Well, yes it's possible, but if you are at home during the day and he's getting out for potty breaks and exercise, then he's probably OK. Can you spend some extra time w/ him after the kids are in bed?

 Quote:

Excercise-
At 5/6 months of age, how much should he be getting?

Two ball in the back yard is great. What you want to avoid is any high jumping or long bouts of continuous running (no jogging, etc). Your walking route sounds fine...

 Quote:

Is he too young to use a prong collar for walks?

No, at 5-6 months, he's not too young, and if you have the kids with you on the walk it may be your best option. Get the one from here that's adjustable (quick-release):
http://leerburg.com/prong.htm#ssquickprong (the chrome one comes in medium, and you can add links as he grows)

 Quote:

...he sits, pulls back on the leash and is visibly frightened (to the point of shaking).

To work with him on this, it's probably best to take him without the kids. You want to get him to where he can hear the barking dog, but not so close that he exhibits the really fearful behavior. Do some obedience with him (commmands that he knows) and reward him when he pays attention to you. Over time, you will move closer and closer to the barking dog. Also, make sure you are not inadvertently reinforcing the fearful behavior by coaxing him or talking baby talk to him when he shows this behavior...

Thanks!

Unfortunately, at this time I have to take the kids with us on the walks as Ty is doing some extended training for the Army. Once he's back on a normal schedule, then we can work with one of us taking Kaz for the walk and the other being with the kids.