My first suggestion would to talk to the breeder and a vet just to get any advice they have. Personally, I find it strange that the breeder is letting you take the pup so young. I didn't get mine until she was 4 mos old because she wasn't a pound until then. Now if he is a bigger yorkie then I could understand. Make sure that the kennel isn't too large. They feel much safer when their surroundings are smaller.I would put the pad at the front of the kennel and then a bed or blanket in the back. Also, have your daughter sleep in a tshirt and put that in there as well so her smell is in there to help calm the pup down. I would definitely suggest telling her to take a couple days off to get him comfortable with his surroundings, because if she gets his and then starts leaving him right away his stress level will definitely rise. When their stressed they can get very sick. Tell her to have him sleep in his kennel even if he is taking a nap put him in there with the door open so he can come out. To make sure he goes on the pad I have a very good trick. Get some kind of plastic bin that is large enough so he cannot jump out. Put the pad in there, and every 20 or 30 min put him in there and do not take him out until he goes and then give him a treat. That way when he is in his kennel he will have no problem going on the pad. Now once you start using pads I would always use them. If you try to have him go on the pad and outside he'll get confused. My Tinker doesn't go outside unless we are traveling and she is about to burst, because she has just gotten used to it and I want her to always know that is the place to go potty. You can also go to a pet store and get this calming scent to put in there. It comes in a fan that puts the smell in there, a plug that you put in the wall next to the kennel, get drops that you put in his water, or there are pills as well. I would tell your daughter to play with him before she leaves so he's tired, but considering he is so young he will probably sleep all day anyway!! I would not put any toys in there, because he is still young he could swallow something. Not until he is older would I put toys in there. If it is a kennel that has a lot of opening I would cover it up with a towel or someting, but leave the front uncovered. I would also leave the TV on and face the kennel towards the TV so it masks any outside noise that may frighten him. After a week or so he will get used to the routine, and not have a problem. One last thing, have her say "get in your kennel" evertime she wants him in there so when he is older he will go in without having to chase him down. It is very important for her to bond with him and start teaching him commands now so things are smoother when he wants to get into his destructive phase. Ok I am going to stop I have all kinds of advice I wish I knew when I got Tinker so please do not hesitate to ask anything else!! |