New puppy soon - excercise pen

[Jackellis]

Hi

We are picking up are new pup on Saturday. Plans during night time are for him to be crated in the bedroom with regular trips to the bathroom.

During the day when im at work as is the girlfriend (altho she will becoming back on her break times 10am and 1pmish) we are planning on using an excercise pen downstairs so the pup has some freedom to move around and also be able to sleep etc.

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[LILYLARUE]

I'd wait on the pen til the pup is a few months older. If you give a pup room to go potty, they will. And then they also learn that going potty inside the house is ok. If your GF is coming home every couple hours, that should be a good amount of time for the pup to hold it. Also, take the pup out to potty ON LEASH. That way you are sure he goes, he empties his bladder and how much poop he leaves. Very important things to consider in your boxer's health regime. This method will also give you a quick trip training for the pup so when you need him to go in a hurry, just command to "go potty" and he will on command. Of course the pee-pee party is a must! And then for reward, you can let him off leash to do a burn or two.

When you begin to see him holding it and indicating to you that he needs to go, that would be the time to introduce the pen. And I would start with short stints in it when you are home. Allowing him to get used to it, watching him for potty indicators and also giving you a time out space for him where he will be safe and comfy. The pen can then be used for short trips away from home, like start with 1/2 hours at a time. As time progresses, and he becomes more trustworthy, then the times and size of pen can increase.

 

[Jackellis]

Thats great, thankyou