crying and food.

Question

baby teagan   QUESTION: what is best to feed a 9 week old puppy? we currently feed her bakers and weetabix which is what the breeder was feeding her. She gets 3 meals a day, should it be more? Also when we leave her it seems like she crys the whole time we are away, she is only left for 2 hours at a time but we still hate having to leave her because she crys so much. she cant go walks yet until she gets 2nd jag at vets so hard to get her tired before we go to work at the momment. She also wont sleep anywhere else but our bed, just crys until we put her in bed with us then she sleeps like a baby.

ANSWER: You mentioned Bakers so I'm assuming you're in the UK?  Cut out the weetabix...if you want to add anything, some plain boiled chicken (no bones-no skin) is better.  At 9 weeks she needs to be fed 5 or 6 times a day.  You can cut into small pieces and add to food or use as treats.
James WellBeloved is also a good food there.  This year is a massive growth spurt so if you add anything, add protein.

How do you know she cries the "whole time" you're gone?  And where is she when you're out?  I can tell you how to begin teaching her to be alone but I'd like more detail first.

It's fine if you don't mind her sleeping with you.  But, as young as she is, NOW is the time to assert your authority.  That doesn't mean yelling or hitting...it means calm correction.

Also puppies do a lot of things they quickly outgrow..or not :)  My gosh - she is totally cute!
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: our puppy stays in a long walk in cupboard which has a window in it, we use a dog gate so she isnt closed in. we left our phone recording to see how long she cried for and it was quite a while. we just want her to be nice and calm when we are out, any advice?

Answer
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about this too much and I think you'll see it decreasing over the coming months.

But to speed things up - start putting her in there for 5 minutes when you're at home.  Go in and out of that space every minute WITHOUT chatting or petting.  Ignore her.  Then just open the gate.

It's so natural to want to soothe & comfort but, in fact, this just reinforces the behavior.

And remember - it's totally natural at this age for her to object to being alone.  It's how you react that will either reinforce or decrease this behavior.

All in all - don't worry! :)
Delores