Cross Breeds

I need to set up a routine to discipline my puppy. Any suggestions?

I just got a 9 week old pit bull/aussie mix, cutest thing ever, very sweet dog, but I feel I am letting her run a little wild and need to set some ground rules. I have to keep her inside during the day for the time being because we have landscaping going on, and keep her in the laundry room with a baby gate and food, water and toys. When we get home from work, we take her to play for atleast an hour, and then we try and do stuff around the house but can't becuase she is always getting into stuff. I read online that a routine is good for a dog and if you can't watch them all the time, then put them in their little area (for me the laundry room) so they don't just run wild around the house. I don't know if this is cruel or not???? We love to play with her and eventually I can leave her outside all day so she can use her energy, I jsut can't chase her around every second right now. Any suggestions???

Public Comments

1. Crate training with the pen would be a good idea if you don't already have a crate. Get her used to the crate as a den/home/rest area and train her to go in when you need her out of the way but still she is able to see you. You have to give her less room for error and then build up from there.
2. She's still got energy after an hour of play? Holy cow. When you put her in the laundry room while you are busy, give her a food-stuffed Kong or Busy Buddy toy to keep her occupied. It is fine to confine her frequently for now as long as her mental and physical needs are still being met. Hopefully she will settle down and nap soon after you put her in the room. This should give you a couple of hours to take care of your things before she wakes and you can then walk and play with her again.