I've had three puppies. One is now 2 1/2, the other is 1 and our cocker puppy is 11 weeks. Its amazing how quickly you forget what having a young puppy is like!
Firstly, never get Beau out of his crate when he's crying. Be it at night or during the day. If you do he will always cry to get your attention, even long after the crate has gone! When he's crying in his crate don't even speak to him as he won't know what your saying he'll just see it as attention.
If he is crying alot in his crate and can't settle try covering the cage with a blanket or the like, leaving on end uncovered a bit for air to circulate.
Set boundries straight away, cute puppy behaviour is not cute when he's an adult!
Start training on day 1. Start with the basics, sit, down, stand etc. Its amazing how quickly they learn.
This weekend my friend who's a dog trainer, told me to spend alot of time ensuring that Barney doesn't become possesive of food/toys. She said cute cocker puppies often become possesive of such things as its funny when they're puppies but it can be a real problem later. I sometimes stroke Barney when he's having his dinner. I also put my hand in his bowl, adding some extra biscuits and stirring it with my hand while he's eating. I've also taught him to give. So sometimes when we're playing with a toy I ask him to give it in return for a treat then I give him the toy straight back. I do the same with high value treats. Starting this from day 1 and continue it every day should hopefully eliminate possesiveness issues.
Having a puppy can sometimes be frustrating. Remember to remain chilled out and take everything in your stride. This is something I've learned. I got very stressed with my first puppy, I'm very much more chilled now.
Remember to keep everything positive.
Finally, remember COL! I wish I'd have had this resource when I got my first puppy! Get lots of sleep before Friday, you might have a few sleepless nights to begin with!
Good luck, I'm sure you're very excited. Remember to post lots of pics please!
