I'm having trouble with my 9 week old puppy. I know I need to give it time but I'm at the end of my tether with it at the moment. It's a family dog and I'm the daughter (age 20) and at the moment it's primarily me looking after it. My mum won't give it any attention unless our 7 year old Labrador is out of the house. The puppy is getting really bored. It's confined to one room at the moment, with it's crate and has access to the garden. He is also very good with toilet training but I can't help feeling that he's not very happy. He wakes up at around 8am, is let out and has food and then just becomes really bity and chewing everything, we have tried giving him toys but he's not interested at all. After about an hour of very hard work he then goes back to his crate and sleeps for about an hour, but it's just a continuous process. I've never had any experience of looking after a puppy before and as my mum is the only experienced one but she is out at work all day I'm not really sure what to do. He cries and cries when he's put in his crate and when we leave the room, but when we are in the room with him he just bites, scratches etc and the only way to stop this is to put him back in his crate where he then settles, but I dislike putting him in the crate all the time.

When the lab is in the house the puppy wants to play with him, however the lab grumbles and doesn't seem interested in the puppy, just jealous when one of us is in the room with him.

My mum says we are doing everything correctly, but I am not confident at all that I can cope with looking after it. I have no idea how to train it and I feel whatever I do to try and keep it occupied it just isn't interested and would rather chew me or the carpet or run away from me in the garden.

Also I think we should introduce it and the labrador properly asap but my mum wants to hold this off. But I think the lab feels more jealous/threatened by it when he can't get to it and the fact that we are spending time alone with it.

Any advice on how to deal with this? I know I need to be patient but I don't want to keep putting him in his crate every time he chews, I just don't know how else to deal with it!

I'm afraid that all sounds pretty normal to me! My current pup is only 14 weeks old so I'm still going through it - but rest assured it does get better!

Toys are only as good as the person playing can make them - shaking the raggy-toy, rolling the ball, etc. Toys which make a noise are usually entertaining; mine loves empty 4-pint plastic milk bottles (top removed). They're nice and big so pup can really get to grips with them!

The bitiness is also normal - read The Bite Stops Here for excellent advice on how to go about teaching the puppy to be gentle. They tend to get bitier when they're over-excited or over-tired and need a rest but don't know how to stop!

Introductions to an older dog can take time; my other dog is nearly 12 years old, but since we got Daisy at 8 weeks he's come to be very fond of her - for the first couple of weeks you could see him wondering when she was going back!

In addition, The Puppy's Rule of 12 will help with ideas of things to do with him - unless he's a giant breed he'll still be small enough for you to carry out and about to see the sights so that the big wide world isn't so scary when he's allowed out on the lead.

Also start training him - The Perfect Puppy is a great book for new puppy owners. Even though I've had many puppies in my lifetime each one is different and I still refer to it with my latest one!

I know it will get better eventually :) Our 7 year old is pretty much perfect now except with cats and other animals but is brilliant with all dogs and so well behaved! It's taken 7 years though. I think we're going to have to buy some more toys, he currently has 2 chew toys, 2 balls, one cuddly toy and a few blankets, however he has a favourite piece of carpet that he's fixated on and we can't even get anti chew spray to deter him from it.

My dogs best friends with a 3 year old golden retriever, she was a few months old when they met and he was always barking at her and chasing her but now they are the best of friends although they don't see each other often enough and he gets really lonely that's why we've got another dog because he really needs company, especially since a 13 year old dog he walked with almost every day died in March! I want to introduce them asap possibly with the puppy on the lead and the lab loose but don't know if it's better to do it in our own garden or a friends garden. However both places are places the lab is territorial over. Our lab is also acting strangely, he's fine inside the house and when he's out on walks but now refuses to go on the grass in the garden unless he is forced to or is absolutely desperate for the toilet.

Very good advice and info. from Jeangenie.Hang on in there things will improve.Pups are great fun but also hard work.

Good advice allready given but I just wanted to praise you for coming here and asking advice not an easy thing to do always. Stay in touch if only by reading there is good stuff oon here. Btw I have 16 week and yep its hard work but worth it hopefully youi r lab will soon accept pup and they will play which I find helps abit with mine ( I have an adult gsd as well) 

Can I ask why you got a puppy if no one has the time and patience to deal with one.

Everything you have said about IT has been so negative.

If you can't cope then contact the breeder and ask if the puppy can be returned, I wouldn't want any pup of mine spending its time like this.

good post Rhodach and i quite agree, just wasnt brave enough to say so!

Without sounding harsh, I agree with Rhudach.  I'm sorry but you don't come across as wanting to spend any time with the pup.  If this was a pup I'd bred, I'd be devastated to hear this was his life.  You either need to put in a lot more effort playing, socialising and training this dog or give him back to the breeder or find him a home that has the time and patience.
I don't mean to sound harsh as I know I can online but I am thinking of the pups feelings.  Must be so bored, no wonder he is crying.
PS  My 'pup' is a lumbering 6 month old now who is constantly chewing something or someone he shouldn't but we adore him and wouldn't separated him from the family for this reason.  In fact, actionman is now 'armless having been fished out his jowls only 10 mins ago!!

Hi -

Although it sounds like, on the face of things, you are managing ok and getting by, it sounds like you need the confidence to know that what you're doing is right and you also need to feel like you're not alone.  (With your mum out at work, it sounds like you are alone, and perhaps it wasn't your choice to get a puppy, but has now become your responsibility.)  It also sounds like the whole process might be more enjoyable for you if you had a close bond with your puppy, which at the moment it doesn't sound like you do.  From some of the things you write, it sounds like you're feeling yourself to be a bit of a failure with him, and you're feeling quite rejected by the puppy ('whatever I do to try and keep it occupied it just isnt interested and would rather chew me or run away from me in the garden').

I would really recommend that you take your pup to a good training class where you'll receive lots of advice on all the issues you've mentioned and where your pup will get some socialisation with other dogs.  You'll learn how to motivate your puppy with toys and food so that you don't end up feeling quite so rejected by him and instead become the centre of his world.  Have a look at both www.puppyschool.co.uk  or www.apdt.co.uk  Most classes you can start as soon as 2nd vaccination has been done, but good classes will get full quickly, so don't delay.  It has been proven that taking your dog to class improves your relationship and reduces the chances of dogs ending up in rescue later.  If you can't afford a class, then instead do some reading on the training you could be doing with him instead, and have little practice sessions at home - that will give you both something constructive to do together.

I'd suggest you *play with* the puppy, with the toys - don't just passively give him the toys, but play tuggy with them.  This will help with your relationship and also give him something to do with his mouth which isn't 'wrong'.  You might also like to think about stuffing some Kongs with food for him - I've yet to see a labrador which won't 'bother' with those!

I also agree that you should introduce the lab and your puppy.  If you're not sure how the lab will react, make sure they are closely supervised and don't leave them alone together.  You might want to do some training with the lab too, and make sure you're giving him lots of attention so he doesn't feel left out and jealous.  You might also find that the lab gives the puppy valuable feedback about biting too hard...

In defense of the op she is the daughter not the parent who I presume decided another pup was a good idea. She has asked for help thank goodness and obviously didnt realise what she was agreeing to when she took on the pup while Mum was at work.
My plan A with my pup was that the two days I work ( and term time only ) my 22 yearold son would look after her.After 2 weeks he realised it was not a case of looking after a dog but a pup very different.He was basing his thoughts on what he sees of my two adult dogs who spend their day after walks just dozing happily and watching the world go by. Fortunately I felt this could happen and had a plan B  my sister and family where they do understand the commitment and do have another adult dog around as well as happily taking my pup out and about to socialize her.
I think the op Mum needs to read this as well as so far pup does not seem to be having the best of things and the daughter is tryin. Unless she is dedicated to the pup he may well be with the breeder.
Personally I owuld introduce the older dog asap. My 3 all met as soon as she arrived whether I was lucky or not I dont know but apart from a couple of incidents around food with my gsd entirley my fault not realising Brooke could get through the cat flap it worked very well. they are now supervised and everyone gets time apart (thank god for baby gates ) and Brooke and Whispa are brilliant together

I'm sorry Rhodach but you're being really judgemental there. As I mentioned it's a FAMILY dog that my parents have chosen to take responsibility for. I have also chosen to take responsibility for him by agreeing to look after him during the day for 8 hours whilst my family are all out and I have been really struggling having never owned a puppy before which is why I was asking for advice! Of course I want him to be a happy puppy why would I agree to look after a dog if I wasn't willing to!! Fyi he and the older dog have now met each other and are getting on very well now, and having had him for two weeks I am managing much better.

Baby/dog gates are great for allowing the adult and pup to be together but older dog to get some peace, as is a crate for night time for pup then older dog can sleep in same room without being pestered.

I wasn't the only member concerned about this pup, I was just the first to say anything.

It's not like he's being mistreated or anything. I was simply struggling to look after a new puppy and came on here for some advice. He's a really happy dog, has lots of attention, food, loads of toys and has someone with him 24/7, and will be taken for walks in the next week or so as he's had his vaccination now. There is nothing to be concerned about he's being looked after in a perfectly good way I was just having trouble trying to keep him occupied and training him as well as trying to keep my labrador happy as well. I know that lots of puppies are given crates to sleep in and not given the run of the whole house so I don't see what there was to be concerned about? And also, we didn't buy a puppy not having the time and patience to deal with one, having had a puppy before my parents knew exactly what is involved and were prepared for it and all the hard work that was involved, there's nothing wrong with asking some advice from real people instead of reading books and internet articles as far as I'm concerned.. is there?

Of course I want to spend time with the pup. My 7 year old lab is everything to me and I would never be without him. Obviously I can't spend every minute of every day watching him so he is going to get bored. We've been playing with him all the time and taking him places. We DO have the time and patience for him so nobody has got any right to say we haven't when you don't know the whole story I was simply struggling to keep him occupied and worrying about how to introduce him and the lab. Our lab is such a happy dog, is walked 3 times a day and has access to a field where he can run freely and play and always has company so obviously as a family we do have time and patience for a puppy! We would never give him back to the breeder as we know there's a good home for him here, we only work part-time so between the four of us living in the house there is always someone at home to look after him whilst he is too young to be left. And actually in the past week things have got so much better as the two dogs have now met each other so they are both at ease and used to each other and he is also much more settled as are we with him. If I didn't have the time and patience then I wouldn't be looking after him all day would I.

Puppies are not solitary animals this is why some posters were worried, they need not 'like' company, they can have a thousand toys but they need someone to play with and be around. The impression from your first post was that you play a little then when pup does what all pups do, bite, scratch, chew the pup was put back in the crate and you moved to another room to be with your lab, crates should be open when you are home, it's a den for your pup to go in to sleep or if he wants some alone time, they should only be closed if used for containment when out to keep a pup safe.

You don't have to play with a pup all the time, they like to just follow you around, sit next to you, be part of the family group, the thought of being put in a crate once your duty was performed is why many of us would get upset and did. It would be the saddest life for a pup especially at such a young age to not be able to integrate and be left alone in a crate for times throughout the day, which is why you confessed he was getting bored, he was :-( and I expect very hyper when let out to be a social pup once more, which is why you were probably overwhelmed.

However, looks as though now you have introduced him to your 7yr old the pup has a friend to communicate with along with yourself and the rest of your family so things are looking up, he may very well get on the 7yr olds nerves at times so as already said make sure the older dog has somewhere to escape if he can, and you distract the pup to play or sit nicely with you, the pup should be where-ever you are, for your company. :-)

You just need to be vigilant whenever sniffing the floor or circling starts - then straight out into the garden!

Good luck, but please remember once again pups are not solitary creatures they need company. :-)

They also like babies and toddlers (he is a canine toddler) need lost of rest, so if they get over tired they can become irritable, toddler bite and kick and scream, puppies aren't much different.

So as you get to know him better look for the signs of getting overtired and over excited and then it's time out calm and pup will sleep to recharge his batteries.

Puppies are absolutely exhausting - done 'right' puppyhood is like having a baby (only over faster).

Everyone, even the best puppy-parent, questions whether they are coping at some point and feels overwhelmed by the responsibilities.  Know that you are not alone.

Okay, lets try and sort some of this out for you so you can actually enjoy your pup rather than it turning into problem.  At 9 weeks old your pup has probably only been with you a week or so?  If its possible to say the breed as well as that would give people a better idea as to how to manage the introductions to your existing lab (as it sometimes matters which breed he is) He is probably rather bewildered and needing a bit of structure and your other dog is probably wondering what is going on too.  As recent guide dog puppy walker and also having my own dogs all my adult life, Ive pretty much done the pup stage constantly recently (5 lab pups over the last two years) and it is hard work, but there are ways of making it easier for you.  If you are struggling then what I would suggest to help you both is to create some sort of routine.  That way it will enable the pup to settle down and know what to expect and you will have some sort of idea as to how to help you bond.

If pup wakes about 8am, then take out for a wee straightaway, then back indoors for breakfast (what is pup being fed on, as that can also be significant regarding behaviour). After breakfast straight backoutside and wait for a poo, you must go outside with the pup as just shutting them outside to do it, will just make them wail to come in to be with you, a quick goodboy or even an extra piece of food from your hand will soon make the association that its a good thing to do outdoors.  Then all the dogs I have had, have had a playtime after breakfast, either with your other dog or with you.  Interactive play rather than just giving them something.  So rolling a ball to them, squeaking a toy and wiggling it across the floor, sit on the floor and let the pup climb onto your lap, tickle his tummy etc etc.  If he breaks off and starts sniffing the carpet or going round in circles he will want a wee, so take him outside and praise him when he goes.

You said in your post that 'after an hour of very hard work he goes back into his crate for about an hour'  its probably getting him way ott and he shouldnt be having play that you see as hard work,  he needs calm fun, a tired pup is good, a worn out pup is like a tetchy toddler. Then pop him in his crate for a bit of a nap.  I always have a dark fleece blanket over my pups crates, the blanket goes over, its dark, they cant keep one eye on what is going on and yes they protest for a bit but then it all goes quiet.

I would definately be feeding pup 4 meals a day at this age still, so as soon as pup wakes take out to the toilet and praise.  Then if you are able to, take the pup out in your arms somewhere, even if you dont drive, a walk up the road to sit on a wall to 'watch traffic' will hold your pup in good stead for his socialisation so he can meet people from the safety of your arms, see the noises and smells and just look at everything.  I always try and take the pups somewhere different every single day, even if its just to sit in the town centre and watch pigeons.  Make sure you have a collar, tag and a light lead just in case pup wriggles.  Pup cant go on the floor yet however a lead is good to just loop your arm through whilst they are in your arms.  You will probably find that this tires pup out so by the time lunch arrives, he will probably want a nap afterwards.

Bit of calm play with you and I find that even small pups like to 'wander about' just investigating things. Get a cardboard box, put some toys inside, or turn it on its side so it can be played in, get a treat ball that dispenses kibble and put about five pieces in for the pup to roll about, kong toys with a tiny piece of cheese wedged in the end is great for tiny pups, loads of things you can do for the pup to learn to occupy themselves for a bit too. Invest in some 'anti chew' bitter spray from pets at home or somewhere and spray anything that pup has already taken to chewing.  If he gets ott and starts to play bite then either put him in his crate or ignore him completely for a bit.  Pups tend to play bite if their play has gone over the top or they are tired and definately read the 'bite stops here' for some really good advice.  Pups do tend to nibble on hands and yes sometimes it hurts, however Ive never had a pup do it for more than a couple of weeks.  Ive even sprayed my hands with antichew spray before when Ive had a really persistant one.

After tea, same toilet routine straight after the meal, then I always give a small meal just before bed.  Make sure pup has loads of opportunities in between for a wee/poo, you will soon pick up when they want to go, however sometimes they get caught short and just go where they are, like toddlers.  In that event just quickly scoop him up and take him outside and praise him for going there, always clean up the mess with something like biological washing up liquid disolved in warm water in a spray bottle, it will help stop him going in the same place again.

If you stick to a similar routine each day, whatever you make it, then things will soon become much easier.  Its actually much nicer having a new pup this time of year, you can spend time in the garden, teach some basic skills and just be outside more.

Finally, I think that it would be a REALLY good idea to find some decent positive training method classes.  If you put roughly the area you are in, then we could help you find one.  Even though he is your mums dog, I think it will help you build a good bond and then also will have somethings to practise during the day.
You will be fine, just ask any questions you need too, I expect most of us have had pups at some point. x

I'm glad things seem to have settle with your puppy and you seem to be on top of things with him. I think taking him out 2/3 times a day for very short walks (just up and down the road a few times) once he's got his jabs might help with the boredom.

Sorry if I have missed it, I ask as I find some male dogs take 2 to 3 weeks to become accustomed to a new puppy being worried at first and needing it's own bed somewhere away from the puppy but not the family. The adult must be able to escape from the pup when they wish without the intervention of a human.

If this has been said I am sorry some very long posts not all to the point and I have skipped a good few.

Just re-read the original post and it seems that this pup has not been introduced to the lab this is wrong, the younger the pup is the sooner it will be accepted. Also puzzled at to why someone who does not want the pup is having to look after it not sure the breeder looked into this carefully enough.

Also puzzled at to why someone who does not want the pup is having to look after it not sure the breeder looked into this carefully enough.

Yes, this is why the responses differ so much, you have replies from those who breed and those who are pet owners, those of us who breed totally look at this from the pups point of view that is what we feel and care for and we know how we would wish our pups to be cared for not called IT, and not shut in a crate and not integrating properly, we wish our pups to be with carefully vetted people who understand what a pup needs and put it first, other posters can sympathies with the carer of the pup and the worries and stress they are going through.

Some posters will try to sympathise with pup and owner.

So, no responses are wrong, just how each poster feels about the situation and what pulls at their heart strings and experience more. A breeder will always, always put a pups wellbeing first and the replies may not by others be understood as much as what makes a responsible breeders heart beat.

I feel that the Mum of the poster is maybe of the old school of dog training and feels its best to introduce a pup one room a time and this maybe why the pup has been more confined to his own area. The way its done nowadays is to introduce on pups arrival outside the home and let the other dogs, if there are any, meet and bring them into the home ...
The excitement a new puppy brings is amazing to watch all having a sniff and look while new pup has a good look around the home. We always include new puppy in everything a treat ..a game.. a groom.. even toilet at the same time its the way they learn quickly and become accepting of each other... of  course this is all done under supervision and even a trip to the loo for the owner ..pup goes in his crate for his own safety.
beds / crates are shared as are toys... and water bowls only feeding times we separate and when cooking for ourselves .

At times during each day, each dog need some 1 to 1 with the owner which stops any jealousy raising it ugly head.. pup being last to recieve this , its hard work ..a new puppy but in 12m time very rewarding.

Good luck.

Good Luck with your puppy.  I'm glad you've bonded well and it all seems to be falling into place.  Having always had multiple dogs and having them as family pets when I took a puppy from mine and my mums litter and kept it at my house i didn't realise how much hard work it was!
Having bred a litter and owned, trained and raised a fair few puppies I was shocked at how exhausting it was to do it on your own - I guess I hadn't realised that I only did 1/4 of the work at my parents house and as well as that the puppy had other dogs to use as a teething ring whereas at mine it was just me and my inexperienced partner.

  I found it tough and I love her to bits - i guess its the same as having children sometimes you just need a break!  I found Kong toys were my saving grace when I needed to sit down for 5 minutes or dry my hair I give her a kong toy (advice from this forum) filled with peanut butter and that keeps her quiet for a few minutes.  Now your 2 dogs are introduced and getting on well I hope things are easier.

Well done for asking advice there are some excellent posts here and I'm sure your pup will grow up to be as lovely as your adult dog.

Yep its just like having a baby. I laughed when I found myself taking pup into the bathroom so I could have a shower without her complaing from the kitchen  remebring doing exactly the same with the children. Difference is they grow up much quicker phew thank goodness I dont think I could do the baby thing again