New Puppy... Some questions

[jonmboxer]

Greets,

We got our new Boxer pup, Reggie, this past Saturday. He is just over 6 weeks old and I have some questions about crate training. The first night was rough as it was his first time in a new home without his mother and was up every hour crying/whining/barking. I've read up on the do's and don'ts of crate training but still a bit concerned.

Being he's only 6 weeks, is the waking up every 1-1.5 hours normal? He does make noise as I said, and I do take him out to evacuate and he does every time.

I also know you're supposed to "ignore" if possible the noises and let him not get used to getting out when he's crying, however, we live in an apartment complex, so that's almost not an option, especially at all hours of the night. During the day, however, he will be alone in the crate for a few hours at a time.

Should we be concerned about this behavior at this young age or is this normal for a 6 week old?

Thanks in advance for any tips/advice.

 

[Sansal]

6 weeks is really early for a puppy to be taken away from the mother. 6-8weeks is an important developmental period. Please make yourself familiar with the socialization aspects of raising a puppy. Some information can be found here:
Boxer puppies area

Is the crate located in the bedroom? I would place the crate right next to the bed so your puppy can see/smell you. At 6 weeks old your puppy isn't able to hold it for very long and since he is anxious he probably wakes up a lot. For now I would take him out every time to avoid accidents in the crate. Once your puppy gets more comfortable in the crate he will probably sleep longer.

I don't know for how long you have to leave him alone during the day but please keep in mind that puppies should get used gradually to being left alone. I wouldn't crate for long times at this age, also because of the risk of accidents in the crate.

 

[jonmboxer]

First off thanks for the reply. I will check the link you provided.

The crate is right in front of our bed, but he can't see us if we're laying down. It's probably 3-4ft away. I will move it closer and on my side of the bed tonight and see how that goes. I will continue to get him at take him out as he needs to go every time. Someone is stopping in daily to walk him/feed him so he isn't crated for long during the day. At night he has been out and with the family for several hours. We did place articles of clothing of ours in his crate so he had our smell also.

He has socialized quite a bit actually over the weekend. We took him for a walk around our neighborhood and he met several dogs and had a little bit of one on one time with a very friendly and accepting Bulldog. Every chance we've had for him to meet a new dog (we have a lot of dogs in our area) I have let him meet them.

 

[LeeUmm]

Be careful where you take him as at 6 weeks he doesn't have all his shots. The safe bet would be to limit him to controlled areas like your backyard and other trusted areas (friends, family etc).

You wouldn't want him running into some sick dogs and catching things like parvo. Even areas where sick dogs have been, but are not present at the current moment could still cause problems.

 

[jonmboxer]

He has a vet appointment coming up in 2 weeks (earliest our vet could see him). He was given his most recent shots and de-wormed on the 27th of may. I will definitely keep that in mind. For now we will keep him in the nearby areas.

 

[TwoDogs]

I suggest getting a copy of "Before & After You Get Your Puppy" by Ian Dunbar. It's available as a free download at Dog Star Daily

Save dog socialization until after he's had at least 2 rounds of shots. What you can do safely now is socialize him to people, places and things. People of both genders and all shapes and sizes, wearing boots, coats, hats, with canes, etc. Walking on all types of surfaces, grass, concrete, carpet, stairs, inclines, wooden bridges, etc. Things such as garbage barrels, plastic bags blowing in the breeze, laundry blowing on the line, people pushing strollers, carrying bags, with unusual gaits. All presented in a positive manner and paired with good treats and praise and at a level that doesn't overwhelm the pup.

Congrats and good luck with your new addition!