I have an 11 week old Aussie mix named Theo.
He's been generally pretty good. I don't have a crate for him but I do have a play pen.
I typically put him in his play pen when I am physically and mentally exhausted, after a walk, after training, and after playing. He takes all his naps and sleeps in there.
Occasionally when he's awake and in his pen while I am working or being busy or just wanting a short break, he barks incessantly. I've read and heard that I can't give into his barking or it'd just be reinforced. He probably barks 2-3 times a day for 5-30 minute sessions. I've been trying to ignore it, but twice after barking, he ended up peeing in the play pen.
I just feel very confused as to how to go about his barking. I definitely don't want to ignore it if it means that he needs to pee but I also don't want to reinforce it if he's just barking for attention. But it's hard to tell the difference between the two!
Thanks everyone!
He's been generally pretty good. I don't have a crate for him but I do have a play pen.
I typically put him in his play pen when I am physically and mentally exhausted, after a walk, after training, and after playing. He takes all his naps and sleeps in there.
Occasionally when he's awake and in his pen while I am working or being busy or just wanting a short break, he barks incessantly. I've read and heard that I can't give into his barking or it'd just be reinforced. He probably barks 2-3 times a day for 5-30 minute sessions. I've been trying to ignore it, but twice after barking, he ended up peeing in the play pen.
I just feel very confused as to how to go about his barking. I definitely don't want to ignore it if it means that he needs to pee but I also don't want to reinforce it if he's just barking for attention. But it's hard to tell the difference between the two!
Thanks everyone!