First Time Owner Needing Some Advice

[NewPomOwner]

Hi, I have a 11 weeks old Pomeranian acquired last week and am having trouble with some of the things about him.

1) We bought him a crate large enough for a bed and still some room to spare. He doesn't like it at all. Whenever we try to put him in the crate. he would start whimpering. We would pretend we don't hear him only to have him whimper louder and louder. Then he would stop. But if he sees us again, he would start whimpering again. This becomes a problem at night because we want him to sleep in the crate in the living room but he would whimper on and on for at least an hour. This really bothers us.

2) I go by the daily recommended portion of food on the back of the dry food bag but he never seems to have had enough. He would finish his plate and lick the plate and then he would look at you as if to say "I want more". I don't want to starve him especially at this tender age. What should I do?

3) Can I put a leash on him now or is it still too early? When should I start training him with commands?

4) He's only had his first shot last week so is it a good idea to let him out of the house to pee/poo? I don't want him to contract any viruses.

I hope I am not being a bother. Thanks for your time !!

[weimlover0816]

Welcome to the board, you are no bother at all!!

1) The crate is an invaluable training tool. He will eventually get used to it and see it as his den if you do it right. Put something in there that smells like you along with a toy to play with (kong??). Also, at night, bring the crate in your bedroom. This won't be a forever thing, and eventually you can move it into the living room at night, but not right now. he wants to be with you, so, let him.

2) are you feeding him all the food at once? At this age he should be getting the reommended amount, but broken up into three or four meals a day.

3) put the leash on him now. Let him drag it around inside, WITH SUPERVISION... he'll get used to it. Use the leash when you take him out for potty breaks. Start training now. At least 15 minutes a day (perhaps broken up as he is still young with a short attention span). He can learn sit, shake, stay, lay down very easily... puppies are so great!! Also start the recall training (Come or here....). Say his name A LOT because at this point he does not know it yet. Use his name before every command!!

4) Personally, my dogs went out to potty right when we got them. I don't knwo where you are from or your living situation, but, as long as he goes out, pottys and you take him right back in, I think he should be okay. others will have different opinions on this, I'm sure.

Again, welcome, and i hope you find our board to be a help with your new pup!! (And, where are the pictures?? We looooove pictures!!)

[Moo]

Weim gives great advice, in addition...

1) Put him in. Leave him there. If he whines, ignore him. If you let him out when he whines, he learns that whining is good and will get him out of the crate. Let him out after he has been quiet for several seconds.

Also, be sure to barracade the back of the crate so that it is only big enough to fit him inside.

2) As weim says, break it down into several small meals. Also, get it a bit wet, so he feels more full.

3) IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO START TRAINING.

4) If you have personal property with grass on it, yes potty outside.

[NewPomOwner]

Thanks for the quick replies
I've added some pictures of my puppy, his name is Scr@pper