We have our lovely and adorable Springer with us and have done since Sunday, he has settled in beautifully and we love him to pieces, especially DH, who was the least keen on getting a dog and now talking of another puppy in a year or so!!
He is doing really well in pretty much all areas, has a 'potty spot' outside, hardly chewed us (with diversion etc), is soft as they come. Sits and waits at the door, knows sit already etc.
DH and I differ slightly re the crate during the day so I thought that I would ask you guys. Oh, we haven't left him at all yet apart from at night and popping in and out of the kitchen but coming back quite quickly. He's fine, especially if diverted with a toy.
Currently, Harry sleeps in the kitchen where we are during the day, either in his bed or under the breakfast bar, wherever etc. He doesn't go into his crate for a nap, although he gets his meals in there etc.
At night, DH slept on the floor with him for the first 4 nights (I have had noravirus but that's another story). Thursday night we left him and he slept in his crate from 9pm (he was zonked) until 5.15, when I got up and took him outside, we didn't go back to bed, he was whining for the toilet but not outright barking) Last night was around 10.30pm until 5.40 am. No complaints, we are happy with this, he's only 9 weeks. DH got up this morning but made sure he went into the kitchen and pottered just for a minute or two. Then toilet for Harry and up for the day.
I have been clickering during the day with the crate, throwing treats in, backing off, going in and out of rooms etc. I also have given him a Kong (just for the crate) and today he hardly noticed me as I pottered in and out. However, he did whine eventually and sat at the door. I didn't let him out immediately, rather opening the door when he was sitting quietly. He jumped out and fell asleep in his basket.
Today, he had a long sleep in the kitchen and I am fairly sure he will have woken up at some point when we were not there but settled again.
So, there are no negative associations with the crate. However, that said, I am fairly sure he will not like it if we leave him alone in it. I would prefer he is in the crate until chewing stage over tbh.
DH thinks he's clearly settling beautifully and very secure. He is, I agree.
I wonder though, after 5/6 days, whether we should bite the bullet and leave him? DH thinks, no, although understands I will have to leave him at some point and he will have to get used to it, but will know we are coming back.
Trouble is, it's Xmas and we are around most of the day tbh.
Not really sure where I am going with this lol but wondered what you guys think? I am a bit of an over thinker but worried it will be a 'mare in the New Year!!
End of essay!