Puppy crying when not getting full attention

[SkinnyVanillaLatte]

So,we have an adorable 10 week puppy.

Pup is great at night and if we go out - settles without a lot of fuss when there's no one around.We're cracking on with toilet training,not jumping up,trying to discourage nipping etc.

But,if puppy is put into his gated area when we're in - perhaps because he's got over excited with the kids and needs a calm down,or because I need to get on with a few jobs he just cries and yaps and drives us all to distraction.

I don't really want to crate.But thats not set in stone.

Anyone able to offer any advice?

I am trying to ignore then seize the opportunity to reward when pup is quiet.But I don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Is this the wrong approach?

It seems like ages since mine was a puppy and he is not even one yet. I found giving lots of attention, bit of training practice, playing with toys at times, but other periods when they just were put in their bed and kind of ignored a bit really - much as we love them they need to learn we will not play with them 24/7 at their whim.

Found it a lot easier to do a bit of tough love/controlled crying type stuff with the dog - we are more AP type with the children . We have a BC - he will take as much fuss as you offer but will happily bugger off to his bed and leave you alone when you ask as well.

I found at this age he would go a bit loopy if overtired and often needed to be sent to bed for an enforced nap to settle him a bit, much like fractious children really. It's early days, I can't believe how calm and good our pup is now, it does get easier quickly.

Moaning thanks!

I know he'll eventually settle and stop crying all the time (at least,I hope I know!).Its just driving me mad in the meantime!

It'll do him,and us,no good at all in the long term if he is dependent on us occupying him every second we're here and awake,so I'm happy to have a little short term pain for long term gain (tears hair out!).

Its just heartening if I know that this too will pass.... (and if I know I'm doing the right thing,and can make this period of learning as short as possible for all our sakes)

It'll pass. Helps if you have a routine so he learns that quiet time is just that, not potential abandonment.

It'll pass.

He's trying it on - and will very quickly learn whether or not it works. Ignore, ignore, ignore. Not a word to him unless he's quiet. Don't soothe, comfort, tell off, shout at, nothing.

One of the most valuable skills a puppy can learn is to self settle and to be able to entertain themselves. Build up the time slowly - give him a stuffed Kong, or a raw carrot or something which will keep him quiet for a while. An empty milk carton (lid off) with kibble in can also be very cheap entertainment. Start with 5 mins, then 10 and so on.

Dogs are very social animals and crave your company and attention. Of course, they can't have it ALL the time - it's impossible, so you need to teach him to be content with his own company so that he grows into being an easy going adult.

I think once the kids are back at school it'll be easier.Of course the excitement of a new puppy has made it difficult for them to leave him alone at times.Also the routine will be a bit better.

I love the old milk carton idea - I shall try that!

I am so glad to hear people say this will pass - I felt sure that it was much like a child having tantrums - if you give in,they learn tantrums get results.