Category: Top Dog

19 week cocker spaniel puppy, we’ve had him 9 weeks

hes never been a big sleeper, recently been tracking it and we reckon he gets about 13.5-14.5 hours a day (including his overnight sleep). I know this isn’t enough

we have started to enforce naps and whilst this has been a big help in how often he falls asleep, it’s not really helping to extend said naps. he won’t really sleep for more than an hour at a time during the day.

we’re making sure he has white noise on, dark room. we do plenty of enrichment games during wake hours and he has 3 x 15 min sniffy walks per day (slightly longer off lead walk at weekends where he can socialise with other dogs)

I think the other problems we face like separation anxiety and quite bad bitey, lungey episodes all relate to the fact he’s likely chronically overtired. not sure how to get him to sleep more / for longer? should I reduce his wake periods to 30 mins? fear he would just protest if I did this as he wouldn’t be ready to nap again

Im following up on my post from yesterday. Our trainer suggested that the kibble i feed (Orijen Puppy formula) is too high in protein and might contribute to overexcitement in my pup? Pup is 4 months and Im already questioning the trainer so hoping to hear some experiences

Hello!

I just got a puppy (5mo) on Jan 14/26 in the evening and she was kennel trained at her foster house prior to me adopting her. Since then she whines and barks like crazy in her kennel, I have tried covering it, creating a positive association with it, and starting with small successes.

Today when I left for work I put her in with toys, treats, and a frozen lick mat but when I had somebody come to check on her 1.5hours in, she was still crying and barking.

I live in an apartment (I have notified my neighbours already so they are aware and hopefully will have a bit more patience with me), but she cannot keep barking in an apartment.

Does anyone else have any ideas and experience with this?

Hey guys,

I have a 5 month golden and first off, he's the best boy. However, despite multiple attempts with high value treats, scattering them on the floor etc. Lots of things tried, he just LOVES people and dogs too much. He will hop about 3 foot in the air on his lead trying to say hello. And of course, because he is handsome people will recipriate, much to my frustration sometimes.

He began puppy daycare a few weeks back + adolesnce training, I had hopes this would make dog less of a novalty. No dice!

How long did it take for your pups to settle in these situations? Picture attached but not relevant

Hi all,

Few questions. When I put my puppy down to nap, should I put his crate upstairs in the bedroom where it’s quiet throughout the day, or should I get him used to crate sleeping during the day downstairs where we’re hanging out / walking around? Also, when should we expect him to sleep through the night? If he barks or cries during the night, at what point do I know it’s for attention vs he needs the bathroom? If we do have him sleep downstairs in his crate at first, should I plan on sleeping on the couch near his crate lol?