Yesterday was our first day with our new lab puppy. I know what you're thinking .... I am a new dog owner who had no idea what to expect. On the contrary, I have had many dogs and have raised a puppy in the past using a crate. I knew there would be an adjustment period that includes whining. But our new puppy really is pushing us to our limit. Here's his backround:
He's a 9 week old lab puppy. He had been using a crate with the breeder with no problems. He had a couple of times in the crate yesterday for short periods of time after we got home and took time to settle down, but it was within reason. At bed time (around 11) he whined/yelped/barked for about a half hour and then finally settled down. At 1:30 a.m. he woke up and I took him out to pee and promptly put him back in. There was no fanfare involved, just in and out. Then he cried/yelped/whined again for about 45 minutes. I did make the mistake at one point of opening his crate and trying to settle him down (without letting him out). That didn't work and eventually he just quieted on his own. He then didn't wake up until 6:30 a.m. and overall I considered our first night together as about what I expected and thought it wasn't terrible.
But today, I put him in his crate around 1:00 p.m. I didn't leave the house (I was exhausted after last night and wanted to try and get some sleep in preparation for tonight). He then proceeded to whine/cry/help for the next hour and a half. At that point I had to leave and needed to let him out to pee, so I waited for a brief moment when he was quiet and took him out. I feel like he would have kept up the whining forever!
Then I had to leave again at 4 and put him in his crate. He was going at it when I left, and when I returned a little after 6, I could hear him as soon as I got out of my car in the garage, leading me to believe he was at it the whole time I was gone.
I have tried putting on music for him, making a loud noise every time he makes a noise. sternly saying no, and obviously just ignoring him. He has been getting long walks, play time, general interaction, has toys in his crate, including a kong and I am sure all his needs are met each time before I put him in. I am concerned at this point that he is getting so worked up in his crate, that eventually he won't like his crate.
So, basically I need a new plan for tonight. If tonight goes as last night did, I am fine with that. I can live with it for a while. But after today, I am scared he is going to be much much worse tonight. Of course, being tired tonight might make a difference as opposed to earlier today, but I need to be prepared.
Any ideas? I love our new little puppy and want to have patience, but it is hard when I am sleep deprived.