Should I let me dog sleep with me during the day?

[Jason]

Hi I am new to the forum so be kind to me. I have just bought a Toy Fox Terrier. I work third shift and I can't be with it from 10 to 6am. I put it in the crate when I leave and take it out of the crate right when I get home. Around 9am I go to bed and it normally sleeps with me. I haven't seen any damage done although it pees on it's puppy pad while I'm asleep.

The dog really gives me no signals when he has to go potty. I just say "go potty" and he starts excitedly jumping up and down. Sometimes he does bizness and sometimes he doesn't.

I am wondering if I could possibly live him in his crate while i work third shift and leave him in his crate while I sleep. Or is this cruel and to long for the dog to be in the crate. I just want to train him to only go potty outside and not in the house. When he starts hiking that leg it's gonna be treaturous and damage my house. He is 9 months old, so now would be the time to start training him.

Any comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Jason

[GSP4619]

Hello & Welcome


Pups have small bladders and need to go potty alot. I am not expert but it's a long time for him to be in a crate. Is their anyone else in the home with you while you sleep who can keep an eye on him and have him go potty?

[luv4gsds]

That is to long for a puppy. At this point in a pups life is crucial that it gets proper socialization. Keeping the pup in the crate for that amount of time isn't getting any socialization (I hope that didn't sound mean). Can you get a ex-pen that hooks up to the crate. Like the Gold Zinc Exercise Pen http://www.bargainpetstuff.com/Pens.htm?gclid=COjJ4-TR14UCFRs4UAodejkfkg That away it can go in and out of its crate while you are home and it will have room to run around in.

[seraphicia]

The pen attached to the crate is a great idea, I do that with my foster puppies, and I put a few of the potty pads in there for them to use. That way there's a place for him/her to sleep, eat/drink and do their business. Depending on how long you sleep, it's really not fair to be crated that long, and expecting him to be quiet and satisfied from not being with anyone that long is to much to ask of a pup. Once I know the puppies are a little older and will consistently go on the pad, I usually close the door and let them have roam of my room while I'm asleep, if I can. Just ensure there are plenty of toys and ok things to do and it's a happier situation for all involved. Good luck with your new pup!