When I first got my puppy, I carried him around and held him most of the time. When I sat down, he slept in lap, and when I went to bed, he went to bed with me. He was only 8 weeks old and easily slept 6 or 7 hours --but probably only because he was with me.
I know for a fact if I hadn't held him a lot or expected him to sleep in a crate, he would have kept me up all night.
Now that he's 16 weeks old ---I can't catch him. He is extremely independent and has full run of the house (with a puppy pad on when I'm home.) When I gone he's confined to the kitchen with everything he needs.
He still sleeps with me and is very cuddly and won't sleep any place else, but once we get up, he is off and running and doing his own thing. He is extremely active and playful and "independent." And, oh - does he love company!!! Play - play - play!!!
I think that if a young pup can be with you a lot - they feel more secure venturing out on their own later.
I think that my puppy gets along well when I'm not home. I am gone 6 hours, four days a week. Often when I return home, he wakes up from sleeping in his bed. I can tell that he has played with all his toys - etc. I leave a light on for him and leave the radio on for him. I have two neighbors who drop in several times a week to visit with him, and they say he is always sleeping or playing and is happy happy to see them.
I have felt my entire life (with every dog I have every had) that letting them sleep with me makes them feel very happy and safe and secure. He is no problem in bed at all. He sleeps like a little baby off to one side, doesn't pee, but wears a puppy pad.
And - after all is said and done, we have to remember that all dogs are different. They have different temperments and require varying amounts of attention. Some dogs are shy and others are very outgoing. Mine was very needy as a pup and is extremely outgoing (and hard to catch) now. He has a mind of his own - and knows no fear!
Good luck! Carol Jean |