Confined Spaces

New puppy parents frequently do not want to put their puppy into a crate or confined area.  Think of your new puppy as a baby. A baby needs to be in a playpen, bouncy chair, or crib if not being held. A puppy needs to be in a pen, a crate, or a baby gated room that has been puppy proofed. I also tether puppies on a leash next to me. I might put the hook of the leash around my ankle or a chair leg, etc. If a puppy is near me, I can praise them for good behavior and correct negative behavior. I put 3-4 toys around me to entertain the puppy. Puppy does not want to go to the bathroom when tethered to you as they don’t want you to see them urinate. When tethered to me, I can scoop them up to run them outside as soon as they start sniffing the ground or squatting.

Just remember, puppies don’t get to free roam in your house, they have to earn the privilege. Puppy training is a process and as you see progress you can slowly give them more freedoms. You’re going to do great!