Nearly tagged this puppy blues!
First time puppy owner, I've had her for 6 weeks, 3 1/2 month old cocker spaniel.
She has a LOT of energy. I cannot get her to settle down outside of the crate naturally.
Ive tried too many things to type out here exercise, play, schedules, feeding, socialisation, obedience training, body language, calm commands.
She always seems WIRED and overstimulated straight out of the crate.
Whenever she is out of the crate I have to play or occupy her with a chew or she will resort to chewing something else or jumping twice her height onto things.
I used to have her crate in the office but because she is so alert, I felt like she wasn't getting undisturbed rest during the day so I moved her crate to the bedroom which has helped settle in the crate but not outside.
I'm thinking about turning a small spare room in my house into a play pen so hopefully she will learn to be calmer outside of the crate. I think I did too much with her too soon.
Sucks because I can't chill with my puppy at all or take her anywhere without her wanting to zoom around, which I understand is not good for them physically and I'm also allowing the same behaviour to reoccur.
I feel like tug of war is enough exercise and she doesn't need to run about but I may be wrong. Either way I've given her a taste of Usain bolt's spirt and now that's all she knows.
Would love some advice from experienced people. I've found so much conflicting information.
submitted by /u/CrouchingCohen
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