When I brought my new little pup home (8 weeks old) -- I had a week off from work and pretty much held her and carried her around with me -- except when he was sleeping....which, of course was most of the time. Whenever he was sleeping - I put him in his little bed that I bought for him.
Often, even at that young age, when he woke up - he'd come looking for me - and, of course, I was delighted to see him - and would pick him up and play with him. And, as young as he was, he seemed to like to run away from me and play with my other dog or run around on his own for a while.
So - I really had no crying or whinning. I don't think he really ever felt that he was being penned up or kept from going wherever he wanted most of the time. And - he learned quickly to love sleeping in his bed most of the day away (it was his favorite place) ....but he did sleep with me at night.
I used a belly band from the get go whenever he had run of the house. When I went back to work the 2nd week - he was confined to the kitchen with his bed, food and water, and a potty pad. My neighbors visited him daily for the first couple weeks - and said they never found him whinning or crying -- he was almost always sleeping...and then wanted to play his heart out with them.
These little dogs are all so different. Mine is submissive, but very friendly, and is very laid back. He hardly ever barks and is about as good as a little dog can be ---
As far as potty training - summer is here - and if I get him outside often, he almost never pees in the house..... I do dread winter coming again....I don't like to go out then, but guess I'm going to have to - right?
Good luck!
PS: I did put my pup in a playpen once - and oh my gosh!!!! He certainly did have a pair of lungs. Amazing, isn't it? This is when I put a bellyband on him and let him go..and since then, he has been the happiest little guy in the world - no trouble at all.
Carol Jean |