Hello Kat, I recommend using the Turns method I have linked below. The Turns method tends to be more effective for determined pup's who need help learning to focus on you better. Be sure to change directions and speed often, start in an open calm area, and gradually work up to straight sections in your neighborhood or streets. At first, it can seem a bit hectic. The key is to turn in front of pup as soon as you see their nose start to move past your leg. As pup starts to get the hang of it, it should feel less chaotic. It will be a bit of a dance at first until pup slows down a bit as they learn to expect your changes. Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

May 11, 2021

Hello Ruby, For the food, I would check with your vet. Pup may be stressed due to the adjustment and that temporarily effecting her eating, but puppies are also very vulnerable to diseases like parvo, parasites, changes in the type of food being fed, and they need several rounds of worming - so pup may need another one. I am not a vet, so I would have pup evaluated to make sure the lack of appetite isn't a symptom of an issue that needs to be addressed right now. Because puppies are vulnerable I wouldn't wait too long just to be safe. For the crying, once you are confident pup is in good health, at 8 weeks of age, know that what you are experiencing is completely normal. Pup is getting used to sleeping alone and that's an adjustment. Usually the first five days are the worst. It typically takes about two weeks for most pups to adjust completely; however, you can help that adjustment be as smooth as possible by doing the following. 1. When pup cries but doesn't have to go potty (like after you return them to the crate when they just went potty outside) be consistent about ignoring the crying until they go back to sleep. The more consistent you are the quicker the overall process tends to take even if it's hard to do for the first couple weeks. 2. When pup does truly need to go potty (when it's been at least 2 hours since pup last peed), take pup to go potty outside on a leash to keep pup focused and things calmer. Don't give treats, food, play, or much attention during these trips - boring and sleepy is the goal, then right back to bed after. This helps pup learn to only wake when they truly need to go potty and be able to put themselves back to sleep - helping them start sleeping longer stretches sooner and not ask to go out unless they actually need to potty. Pup will generally need 1-2 potty trips at night even after trained for a couple months though due to a small bladder. 3. Wait until pup asks to go potty by crying in the crate at night before you take them - opposed to setting an alarm clock, unless pup is having accidents in the crate and not asking to go out. This gives pup the chance to learn to start falling back to sleep when they wake in light sleep if they don't really need to go potty, instead of being woken up all the way when they could have held it a bit longer. 4. Practice the Surprise method from the article I have linked below to help pup get used to crate time during the day too - so that there is less crying at night due to pup adjusting to being alone. Surprise method - only give treats during daytime practice, not at night though: https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

March 19, 2021