Gauge update

[sheltieluver]

He is doing great!! I can't believe I got blessed with another good puppy. Everyone tells me what a nightmare their puppies are. I've never had a issue and love the puppy years.

He follows us everwhere and stays right next to us. Is already retrieving and bringing it back and drops it right in front of us. He knows sit and down. He is VERY mouthy but hes still learning and we are teaching him what is ok and not ok to chew on.

We are having a little issue with the crate nothing big. He's not really in it except to sleep or if we can't watch him. He will scream and scream and scream. He will settle after about 15-20 mins.

I was used to my other dogs already being in a crate and were used to it when I got them. I have to take a differant approch with Gauge so I feed him in his crate but I leave the door open and have a few sessions a day by throwing a treat in closing the door opening the door then letting him play and repeating a few times. If he falls asleep playing I pick him up and put him in the crate with the door closed and he goes right back to sleep.

Last night he slept from 9pm to about 5am barked we took him out he peed and pooped then brought him back in and he cried for like 10 mins then fell back to sleep and was up at 7am. He's been going ever since lol.

So far no accidents in the house at all!!!!

We start puppy class in two weeks and he goes for his vet visit on Monday. He can't get his first shots until next week. Then I can start socializing him with other vaccinated dogs different places.

[dlaura]

How wonderful that he is doing so well! I am happy for you and Gauge.

[sheltieluver]

He is getting better he will still bark and carry on for a little while but now it could take a few second to a few mins and he will stop. He still wont eat meals in the crate so I've taken a differant approach and have started feeding his meals just by the crate then I will slowly move the bowl in til I can shut the dog then leave him out as soon as hes done.

I try and tire him out too before I have to put him in there. Like I said hes not in there much just at bedtime and when he naps.

all in all I can't complain. Oh and the biting is getting better.

[dlaura]

I totally believe in crate training. You are doing a great job and don't feel guilty about using the crate when you cannot keep an eye on him - it is the best for everyone.

[sheltieluver]

Thanks I totally agree. I've always used crate training for all of my dogs. My adult dogs who have been potty trained for years will go and sleep in their crates with the doors open. I don't have to crate them anymore but I don't have the heart to take the crates down.

I have a problem with crate training when people abuse it by keeping the dog in it as a convienance to them so they don't have to deal with the dog/puppy. I know people who have kept thier puppy in the crate all night then crated it while they went to work the next day, so 8 hours at night out an hour or so in the morning then back in the crate for 8 hours then out a few hours then bed. What kind of life it that for the poor dog.

[sheltieluver]

Oh I forgot to mention I have an xpen(playpen for dogs) that I put him in with his toys and chewys if I have to shower or do things around the house. "

My house isnt set up to use baby gates except in the bedroom.

[special]

Sounds like Gauge is settling into your family well. Wonder what the cats think.

I thought his name was Gage and Gauge was a typo, but I guess I am wrong about that.

[sheltieluver]

Thanks Special,
Its pronounced Gage but spelled Gauge like a 12 Gauge shot gun(get it hunting referance lol) I wanted to name him Elmer like the looney toons character.

Monkey hated him at first. I still don't think he likes him but he tolerates him. I baby gated the bedrooms so they can jump and get away from him but still see him. I also have a cat door to down the basement and they go in there.

He's learning leave it so I use that on the cats if he gets too wild with them.

He's great with the crate now. Still fusses a little but its less than 5 mins because he knows it doesn't work for him.

He went to the vet last night got his first set of shots and his kennel cough shot also another dose of worming. He got an A for health. She said I can start socializining him with other dogs as long as they are vaccinated.

We start puppy classes with him next weekend.