The new pup was doing fine at first with his crate training, but now he doesn't want to go in the crate. He doesn't like me being out of his sight. He follows me everywhere and he whines and barks if I leave him. My wife wants to get rid of the crate. She didn't want it in the house anyway. I think he would do better if I could take some time off work and stay home to train him, but that's out of the question. Any suggestions?

The pup farts something awful. His diet consists of Purina Puppy Chow, which is high in protein for growing dogs. Protein rich foods give me gas too, but damn, the pup's SBDs are deadly. Any suggestions?

And finally, I'm taking him to the gun club this weekend, with my daughter and one of her friends. We're staying Saturday, camping out there Saturday night, and coming home Sunday morning. She's going to horse camp for the week so we have to leave early. The pup's never been exposed to gunfire so any suggestions on dos and donts? I have a feeling I won't be getting in much trigger time. There are a few other club members who bring their dogs so the pup will make some new friends. There are rattlesnakes around there so I'll have to keep an eye on him. TIA

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I don't know how old he is. He was a stray. I've had him for a week and he's already housebroken. I take him out every few hours and he goes in the back yard. If he needs to go he pushes the back screen door open and goes out by himself. He just doesn't want to go back in his crate. He was cozy about the idea at first, but I think now he associates going in the crate with me leaving, and he doesn't like it. The wife doesn't have the inclination to participate in crate training so that's part of the problem. I may have to take off work a few days after all.

One more thing, next week she's taking the kids to Illinois to see their grandpa (her Dad), so there will be nobody home for a few hours. That's going to be rough on him.

I have a regular vet but he's not had his shots yet. I'll see if I can get an appointment this week. He may have already had his shots from whoever lost him but I have no way of knowing.

I picked up the Puppy Chow at the grocery store on my way home the night I brought him home. I'll try something else. Thanks.

ProfessorEvil is pretty much spot-on with his suggestions. Reward positive behavior with treats. Hot dogs cut into small slices work very well, but may add to the SBD problem. Unless it is really bad, or involves his safety or that of other dogs or people, try and simply ignore negative behavior (easier said than done, but try).

The crate is the best single implement ever devised for pet dogs. It gives him his own "place". DO NOT use the crate for punishment. You will be glad you got and used the crate, and, eventually, so will Mrs. Bear.

Try and find somewhere that sells "Canidae" (pronounced "can a day"...it is dry food) This stuff is so much better than even Euk it is unreal. All human grade ingredients and down here it sells for $31.99 for 40lb., which is cheaper than Euk.

Nice dog. Good luck with him.