I'm sorry...I wasn't very helpful, was I. Well... I always used a crate for my dogs when they were pups, but not for too long of a period at a time. I would put the crate next to my bed and my most recent pup, my Doberman slept in there with me or when I couldn't watch him, he'd go in with a treat and some toys. It was never associated with punishment and he was rewarded when he went in with my command, "go to bed." He got so he liked his little place to be quiet, very little stimulation and protected. It isn't good to leave them their too long, like Renee said. So, if you can make a puppy proof room, that would be GREAT! I was afraid my Doberman would eat the walls and door jams, so I used a crate. He was a monster. But he got plenty of exercise and play time so that he didn't mind settling down once in a while.
I do think your pup will get over this. Just don't worry too much or make a fuss over him when he's doing all that. He'll learn that that works and you'll have problems later on. Give him ample attention, a little training, (sit, come, down, let's go etc...get him use to the leash gradually..that sort of thing) Let him romp several times a day out in the yard with you. Take him to visit some neighbors, but make sure it's all pleasant and nothing scary happens to him. You can even carry him part of the way. It may be too far for him to walk at this age.
Encourage him with gentle play, treats and toys. Show him new things, but don't overwhelm him. Give him plenty of chances for naps. I really think he'll be fine. If you've done enough with him, you feel good about the time you've spent with him, he's fed and gone potty, has water and he's sleepy looking, put him down for a nap and ignore the whining. You can be pretty sure he's comfortable. He'll figure out that that doesn't bring you. He has to learn that he can't have constant attention.
Give it time and patience. I think he'll be fine.
I do think your pup will get over this. Just don't worry too much or make a fuss over him when he's doing all that. He'll learn that that works and you'll have problems later on. Give him ample attention, a little training, (sit, come, down, let's go etc...get him use to the leash gradually..that sort of thing) Let him romp several times a day out in the yard with you. Take him to visit some neighbors, but make sure it's all pleasant and nothing scary happens to him. You can even carry him part of the way. It may be too far for him to walk at this age.
Encourage him with gentle play, treats and toys. Show him new things, but don't overwhelm him. Give him plenty of chances for naps. I really think he'll be fine. If you've done enough with him, you feel good about the time you've spent with him, he's fed and gone potty, has water and he's sleepy looking, put him down for a nap and ignore the whining. You can be pretty sure he's comfortable. He'll figure out that that doesn't bring you. He has to learn that he can't have constant attention.
Give it time and patience. I think he'll be fine.