Some Pesky Questions From an Unaware Dog Owner

As long as he can turn around, he has sleeping room, the crate it probably ok. But, since he is still a puppy, and it sounds like he is pushing the limits on his current crate, you might want to go up a size.
Most people here would probably tell you Cesar Milan's book is a waste of time and money. If you can return it, that's what I would do. Get a book that tells you how to use positive reinforcement. I'm sure other people can suggest some titles. I bought one that I thought was good, called, "The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need." It teaches you how to clicker train basic obedience, and a lot of cool tricks. If you just want to train your dog for basic stuff, it'd be a waste, or if you want to know more about dog behavior, it doesn't have that, but if you want to teach him some basic obedience and some cute tricks, it's good for that.
No recommendations on a boarding place since I don't know the area, but good luck. Be sure to check out the place before you leave him.
You might get to a point where you can leave him out, you might not, but he is just fine in his crate. Right now, both of my dogs are out when I go out. One has never been crated, and the other I would prefer in his crate, but we're having some slight issues with that right now. Much to my suprise, he has not destroyed anything when i've left him out for several hours. He just sleeps. He did however destroy a pillow in my room when I left him for 15 minutes to take a shower. Either way, your dog probably sleeps most of the time you are away anyway, and he's safer in his crate for various reasons. He can't get in to anything, and if at some point there were a fire in your house and the fire fighters had to break down the door, even if he normally loves everyone, he might be terrified in such a situation, and he might go after them. If he is in the crate going nuts, they can carry him and the crate out of the house. If he is trying to attack them, well, they'll do what they must in order to protect themselves.
Also, we require pictures of your dog

Ask and you shall receive.

Your dog is adorable!! Welcome!  I am not an expert, by any means...  but I do know what it's like to be a firt time dog owner and need info - so here's my suggestions for you:
 
1 - You will probably need to go up a size eventually - as was just posted, your dog should be able to stand up, turn, and lay down comfortably in his/her crate... 
 
2 - I read CM's book, more out of curiosity than thinking it would do me any good training wise...  The basic message of his book is good - dogs need exercise, discipline and affection, in that order - don't humanize your dog and think affection is all he needs...  but, he doesn't really say anything about training per se and he spends a lot of time talking about his relationships with celebrities and their dogs.   Many on this forum disagree with the methods he uses to rehabilitate dogs (based upon what he does on his show).  Your dog doesn't sound like he needs rehabilitation and it sounds like you are trying to get a handle on dogs' generally (their behavior, needs, relationship with their people etc.) - for that, I can, first hand recommend two books -  "The Other End of the Leash" and "Culture Clash" will be much more helpful to you if you want to understand dog behavior and needs and any positive reinforcement training book (I am sure someone will be by with a title) will be great for basic obedience training.  Also, you might want to enroll in a basic positive reinforcement based obedinece class with your dog.  The socialization will be great,  the trainer will help you see what you are doing right and wrong - and it can be a great support network for you.
 
3 - I am not from the area - so I have no advice for boarding in Houston - but, do a search of the forum, I think there will be a number of threads with things you should look for in a great place to leave your dog.  If you can't find them - post again and people will be able to help.
 
4 - I agree that all dogs are different.  We don't crate our dog during the day (personal choice because he is crated in our room to sleep and we want him to have a little more space since we are gone at work all day).  I think dogs can be perfectly fine left in a crate when you are gone their whole lives...But, if you were to go about trying to graduate your dog from the crate - I would start with small steps.  Dog proof a room and try that for a while, for very short periods of time - if no furniture is chewed etc. for a few months, grow the space and the amount of time, slowly.  Your dog needs to earn freedom, and a dog who might get into things while you are gone is a danger to himself as well as to your stuff. 
 
Stick around the forum - people here know alot about all things dog and are very supportive and helpful - again, welcome!!

He is too cute!
But, allowing your dog to be unrestrained, especially in the front seat of a moving vehicle, with an airbag is  extremely dangerous. He'd be much safer in the back seat, either in a crate, or a harness if you don't have the room for a crate. If he's restrained, he can't be thrown from the vehicle if you get into an accident.
None of this is meant to be nasty or condenscending (sp?) but it is meant in the best interest and safety of your dog.

ORIGINAL: griffinej5

He is too cute!
But, allowing your dog to be unrestrained, especially in the front seat of a moving vehicle, with an airbag is  extremely dangerous. He'd be much safer in the back seat, either in a crate, or a harness if you don't have the room for a crate. If he's restrained, he can't be thrown from the vehicle if you get into an accident.
None of this is meant to be nasty or condenscending (sp?) but it is meant in the best interest and safety of your dog.

I understand. In my defense a little bit, my friend and his girlfriend took that picture while I was gone for a week (this was when I still lived in Indiana, so they're out as an option to watch him down here when I leave). Anyway, they were driving from her apartment to his, which literally is like 100 yards away. You never go more than 15 mph on that drive. Otherwise I too would be concerned.

Hello and welcome!
 
I too am a first time dog owner.  I will have had Zoe for 1 year on May 28th!
 
First, I will say that joining this board was an awesome step.  These people have helped me with everything.  I am a much better doggy mom because of them.  My dog is now on a much better food, getting better treats, trained better, and loving life . 
 
A book: Clicking with your dog, I think by Karen Pryor does the basics and a bit beyond, using a clicker.  You will find many people on this board use a clicker and it is great. However, people also recommend taking your dog to obedience class for socialization and even more training .
 
Leaving the dog out: Although I got Zoe as she was almost 2, she was not completely house trained.  She also peed in her crate often.  So, once I got her to the point where she wouldn't pee in the house anymore, we decided we'd try leaving her out of the crate since she apparently was not happy in there and hoped maybe she wouldn't pee.  She is not a chewer (except her toys... poor stuffies) and she is not at all destructive.  She was great for 2 whole weeks.  SHe would just lay on our bed the whole time.  She didn't eat or play while we were gone, just laid on the bed.  Then, she peed on the bed 2 days in a row and was back to the crate .  I think she peed because she heard us talking to neighbors outside both times and we didn't immediately come in.  Which leads me to crate talk...
 
Zoe has a small crate.  Since she was peeing in it, I got the next size up and put a litter box in it.  At first she didn't mind her crate and then eventually she would run from it.  She hated it which is why we decided to leave her out of it.  Once we decided to go back to using it, I went back to her small crate.  She has no problem going in there and even likes it now. 

So, the point of my babble... every dog is different.  You want to make sure the crate is big enough the dog can go in, turn around and lay, but it doesn't need a play spot necessarily. Zoe likes it small, covered, and denlike. See how your dog reacts.  Another option is an Xpen which can section off an area so your dog has some space to play, and you can put the crate in the xpen.  This way you can make sure no destruction occurs but your dog is not in the crate too.
 
Sorry I babbled... it's late and I just saw the DaVinci Code and am wide awake and half asleep at the same time .

Welcome, you are going to like it here.  []
Try to read as many threads as you can as often as time permits.  Especially pertaining to nutrition and obedience, and everyone's day-to-day questions.  This will help you be a more informed doggy owner.  Your pup is a cutie, great smile.
Call where you are planning to board your dog and ask what they require in shots if you haven't already done this.  Your pup may need a bordatella shot. 
If you have access to a PetSmart, check and see if they have obedience classes you can join so that you work in a group with other dogs and owners.  Ask the eople in the class how they like it.
Brush your dog frequently, one of the reasons being that you will really get to know your dog in a healthy state and will discover problems before they are big and expensive.
Vaccinate, neuter, license, I.D. tag and/or microchip, good food and grooming, obedience classes, and LOVE your dog to bits.  You and Scout are gonna do alright.  Jules

Here's a site where you can search for a trainer in your area
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