baloo is a little over 1 yr old, he had his birthday in November, and my mom crates him. the toy and putting a blanket over the crate idea is definitely something I am going to suggest to my mom.
He absolutely loves my mom and I think he just wants to be with her and that's why he barks so much. He follows her everywhere and is always watching her. I wasn't around when they trained him. He's still not potty trained and that's why he doesn't sleep with my parents at night. And they travel a lot so training is inconsistent and often has to start over from the beginning everytime they leave. I have tried to take over the training but he doesn't listen to me, he's such a mamma's boy. hahaha. I'll be getting my own pup on friday, hopefully he'll be MY mamma's boy.
thanks everyone for your suggestions! i love yt and will be introducing my puppy soon!