Preparing for new pup
 

I still have over a month until Parker joins us, but I want to make sure I am prepared and get all my questions answered as I'm sure I will continue to have more as it gets closer to his arrival. Some background: I have Lexi (morkie) that is 7 months old and about 4.5 lbs. who is fully potty trained to go outside and eats twice a day wet mixed with dry. She sleeps in her crate (very roomy) at night in my room and is a great sleeper.


First about potty training: Lexi was a quick learner and did well with treats as a reward. When training Parker should I take them out together or Parker by himself? I don't want Lexi to get jealous when Parker gets a reward for going potty and she doesn't.


Feeding: I would like to free feed Parker until about 6 months like I did with Lexi, but not sure how to do this. I always hear you should feed your older pup first, but with free feeding I can't do this. Should I just feed 4 times a day and away from Lexi?


Sleeping: I would love to continue the sleeping in crate at night because it works well for us, but not sure how to do that with 2. In the beginning, I will have Parker in a smaller crate that I used with Lexi when I got her until he is sleeping though the night or outgrows it, but then what? Should I get him his own crate or buy a larger crate that they can both sleep in together comfortably? Lexi's crate is large, but not big enough for 2 fully grown.




Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

I only have one and can't say I know these stuffs but this is my opinion:

Potty train: give them both treats. There's no harm in reinforcing it. The new puppy will learn from the older one, making your job easier. And they can be the same schedule (even though I bet the little one will need to go more often as he is smaller)

Feeding: they should be fed separately. I heard small puppies should be kept in his crate and let out a few times a day for exercise only until he's more disciplined, so I think of can keep his food bowl in his crate?

Sleeping: crate separately for now and see how it goes. If they have no problem sleeping together then I guess it fine. But I recommend each has their own crate so they can have their own alone time if they want.

Hope it helps. :)

Thanks for the suggestions!

I think taking them out at the same time could help and I would just also give Lexi a treat when she went too. I would always give them there own crates so they have there own special alone place.