Improving each day

Well, what a little star last night, went into his crate with no fuss and no noise, I went to bed 15 mins later, still no protests, no ear plugs required! At 03.30 I had to practically push him out of the door for his 'toilet'.

Prior to Neos arrival I'd done a bit of research on puppy house training and was a bit sceptical about the idea of shutting them up in a cage all night but to be honest its been a god send.

A puppy will not soil his bed if at all possible, the crate is his bed so hes not once had an accident over night, obviously the only downside is having to let him out at a crazy hour but its been worth it as hes learning very quickly to go outside and as he get older he'll get better at holding his bladder. We've had a few 'accidents' during the day but this is normally down to me being too slow to open the door. The crate also provides him with a safe place to be during the day if he has to be left alone.

Hes been with us almost a week now and not been left alone for any great length of time so that hurdle will arise on Tuesday when I go back to work, personally I think he'll do just fine especially if its arranged so hes tired and sleeps most of the time. In-laws will be popping in and hubby will be returning at lunchtime so fingers crossed all will be well. The plan is once hes house trained to leave him in the kitchen but that will depend on the chewing situation!!

Each day he comes out of his shell a little more, I was actually greeted with a waggy tail this morning which has to be a first, he likes to be in the same room as us and will often follow us around, hes taken to sleeping alongside the sofa in the evenings while we're watching TV.

My impression is hes going to be an outdoor dog, out in the garden he plays and runs around like a puppy should, once inside hes much more reserved which I guess is going to be an asset as he gets bigger!!

Each day we are learning a little more about each other and working on the trust etc, he has such an easy going and gentle nature and he is quickly becoming a loved member of the household.

Now I just have to get him to eat better!! but thats a post for tomorrow.