[4doggiemama]

Originally Posted by dfletcher

I just signed up with Yorkietalk about 10 minutes ago. My little Jasper (5 pounds) will be having surgery on his left back leg on 6/29. The vet says he'll have to stay in his crate during his recovery... two weeks in a cast in his crate, and then continued confinement for another 4 weeks. I expect to be holding him whenever he isn't confined in his crate.

Can you offer tips regarding confinement?

Also, he usually sleeps on a pillow in bed with me at night. Do I need to put the crate next to my bed? I don't think he'd wander from his pillow at night.

I live fairly close to the woods. I know I'll need to chase all rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, birds... before taking him outside. Any additional thoughts?

Thank you!

Deb

When you go outside make very sure that you have him on a short leash. I know all of this will be difficult but it will be worth it in the end. As for the bed, yes it is very important to have him crated for the night. I have heard of someone putting a hook in the middle of their headboard and leashing their baby on to that. I did eventually give in and allow Snowboy to sleep with us. He didn't seem to have any inclination to try and go down the ramp that we have set up against the bed. But he has never been one to jump off of things. Think he's knees were just too bad. Things got difficult when he was allowed to have some freedom. He was feeling so good that he wanted to go full speed ahead. He was limited until 11 wks. Also, have small ex-pens/crates set up around the house. That way he can be with you when you can't hold him.