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Even Australian shepherd puppies are going to have a lot of energy. They are in general a very energetic breed who will need stimulation and exercise all of their life. They are herding dogs, so they will want to herd you, children, etc by instinct and so they need a "job" to do. I think it's a great idea to go to your parents backyard as often as possible (even daily if you can). Run around with the puppy, throw a ball for him to chase as much as you can. Usually these dogs love chasing balls because it's a "job" to them, which they crave/need. You can do this in the apartment too if you have a big enough space. Kong's with a treat inside are a good stimulation exercise for the dog. Also they make dog puzzles specifically for breeds who need a lot of stimulation.
You say you're taking him out in a bag during the day while you walk your other dog. This is great (and is good mental stimulation for him to smell the smells and see the sights) but is doing nothing for his body to tire him out physically, which he needs. This is why he's up at 1am crying, is that he's not physically tired.
Thank you for all the replies. Just a quick update. I took her to my parents' house in the morning as she was on my face and pulling on my hair while I read this post on my phone. I left her there for an hour as I took my other dog for a car ride and to spend some time with her. Just when the puppy was about to fall asleep, I picked her up and came home. I put her in the crate and she whined a little bit and not too loudly as she done before and now she is asleep in her crate. When should I open the door? When she is awake? Also, is it okay to leave water in a crate? She drinks frequently in tiny amounts but I'm afraid she might accidentally drown herself.
Thank you for all the replies. Just a quick update. I took her to my parents' house in the morning as she was on my face and pulling on my hair while I read this post on my phone. I left her there for an hour as I took my other dog for a car ride and to spend some time with her. Just when the puppy was about to fall asleep, I picked her up and came home. I put her in the crate and she whined a little bit and not too loudly as she done before and now she is asleep in her crate. When should I open the door? When she is awake? Also, is it okay to leave water in a crate? She drinks frequently in tiny amounts but I'm afraid she might accidentally drown herself.
Our crate has a hook that the water bowl slides into so the bowl is a few inches off the floor.
Yes, it's a great idea to put water in the crate. Having your dog eat/drink in there will make it so that the dog doesn't want to go to the bathroom in there, which is what you want. The crate should feel like the dog's safe, happy place. Having the dog eat their meals in there will help it feel like it's a happy place. Your dog should always have access to water wherever she is.
Leave the dog in there for awhile. It's important that she gets used to being in her crate. When you let her out, don't make a big deal of it (don't be too excited to see her, because you'll be sending the signal to her that getting out of the crate is something worth celebrating, which will only cause her to whine/bark more when she's in there). Just open the door silently and walk away, letting her come out at her own pace.
Thank you for all the replies. Just a quick update. I took her to my parents' house in the morning as she was on my face and pulling on my hair while I read this post on my phone. I left her there for an hour as I took my other dog for a car ride and to spend some time with her. Just when the puppy was about to fall asleep, I picked her up and came home. I put her in the crate and she whined a little bit and not too loudly as she done before and now she is asleep in her crate. When should I open the door? When she is awake? Also, is it okay to leave water in a crate? She drinks frequently in tiny amounts but I'm afraid she might accidentally drown herself.
You want to work up to 8+ hours in crate (for overnight) so I would open it before she whines to be let out. As Threewolves said these herding dogs are smart & manipulative...females even more so than males--they seem to be smarter earlier. If they can they will get you trained to do their bidding. She will not have an accident in her crate unless it truly is an accident, if it becomes her safe spot she will seek it.
I crate pups if unexpected company or deliveryman arrives so they don't think they need to bark or get involved. It us a safe time out.
&Get a shallower water dish.
Very young pups like yours sometimes like to sleep cuddled up to a hot water bottle--once they get into the chew everything apart teething stage --not great idea. At that stage get lots of little rawhide twisted chew sticks.
Praise behavior you like. Try to carefully adjust behavior you do not like. Try not to yell unless it is serious harm situation. Some dogs think loud reprimand means let's bark louder because we're communicating. I allow my border collies to bark if there's a reason & then I say ok enough.
I remained sane by telling myself she will not be a puppy forever and sadly our 14.5 yrs together passed much to fast.She was my once in a lifetime dog and I know I will never have another one like her.
I'm sorry to hear about your loss and I hope to have a special bond with her just like you did with your dog. Having a new puppy is great but it does make me think about the days when my other dog was a puppy and it makes me a little sad.
You can NOT use a bark collar on an 8 week old puppy.
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