Positive Puppy Story
There’s a lot of negativity about puppy experiences on here, and while it’s not been the easiest thing ever, not ALL puppies cry all night.
My toy poodle is now 13 weeks, had her for 5 weeks and here are some things I didn’t expect
- Slept in her crate from night 1 with <5 mins of crying from 9:30-7. Partner leaves for work at 4am and does a potty break.
- Only a few accidents in the house, and usually my own fault
- left her home alone from day 1 for a walk around the block after going toilet and when napping with minimal crying
- went to a christening when she was 10 weeks old, left her alone for 4 hours (after tiring her out before hand). She slept for the first 2/3 then played with her toys and ate her dinner before we arrived home. Went potty by herself. Small bursts of crying with good recovery
- from week 3/4 I returned to the office for two days, so she was alone from -9am - 2pm. She was fine as long as she had activities (snuffle ball, lick mat, chew toys or a ribbon as she loves)
- she only occasionally whimpers in her crate for <5 mins. If she’s louder or more consistent it means she needs something (e.g. thirsty, toilet)
- she’s smart and able to learn trick with consistency and patience (sit, stay, wait, spin, touch, crate on demand (learning), potty training)
- she’s small enough so I can take her most places
Of course she’s still a puppy and puppy behaviours are inevitable, but if you you can’t get a puppy expecting it not to bite or pee inside occasionally. I’d say despite this there’s been glimpses of puppy blues which I think is normal, but there is hope and not all puppies keep you up all night.
Anyways, just thought I’d share