SKG

My breeder's advice was start out as you mean to go on. Start with the pen from day one. It will become the pup's normal that way.

Sounds like you have really done your research. Well done. So much depends on your situation. My house is hotter than outside in the shade during summer so mine are limited to the backyard with ample shade, water, iceblocks, pool etc. Mine were restricted to a large grassy pen (made of pool fencing panels)with kennel & lots of shade (big tarp over the top of the pen with plenty of height) as 8 week olds. I knew where they were & they learned to use the kennel. A week is plenty of time to get used to it. A meaty bone when you leave home &/or some Kongs will tide the pup over. Mine were on 2 meals a day plus bones from 8 weeks. Enjoy your new pup.

Pups love dirt & grass. Toilet training will be so much easier with access to grass. You don't even need to leave home to start with. Just put him outside while you are home. He needs to learn about that scenario too. What colour is he? Enjoy him.

I'm pretty sure even taking dogs to & from Tassie they have to stay in your car on the ship so couldn't see it happening from NZ to here

Have a look at Australian Canine Sports & Training Centre on Facebook or their web site. They have day visitors and lodgers. Their photos might give you some ideas. eg small A frame covered in artificial grass, elevated covered shelf with ramp on one end

He made me laugh just looking at his photo!! Too cute

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I can only imagine how exhausting all that is. I think you need to see a veterinary behaviouralist ASAP. This is who we use in Sydney. They also go to Melbourne. SABS. Good luck

Go and sit on the floor in your laundry for 4 hours and see how interesting it isn't. Poor pup. Get him outside in a safe yard where stuff might happen like birds fly by, sounds to listen to, smells. Every pup I have had has been outside during the day with a dry safe place for sleeping and shelter in a safe yard. Inside at night. Start out as you plan to go on. Pups are tougher than they look.

If he is healthy and happy, stop weighing him and enjoy him. Weighing and worrying about it won't change the end result

I have 3 friends who have used SABS and are very happy they consulted them.

My dogs were crate trained in wire crate. Graduated to the soft crate at home. Then had some practice away from home. All good. Then one day decided he wanted out and ripped the mesh out of the fairly new K9 Pro crate and escaped in 10 seconds flat. Wire crates are the only way you can be sure they will stay where you want them. If you are not carrying the crate around (eg for home use) wire wins hands down. If they have learnt to rip mesh, they will do it again.

Another option is Telarah Dog Training which is based in Maitland and runs on Saturday mornings. The classes are smaller than Hillsborough. Jumping dog classes are available after the basics are established. There is a puppy class running starting early Jan. The club only uses friendly positive training methods ie food and toys - no check chains. More details on their website http://www.telarahdogtraininginc.com/

Another possibility mentioned above is Telarah Dog Training who train Saturday mornings at Maitland. It is a smaller club than Hillsborough and only positive motivational methods are used ie food & toys - no check chains. Details on their website Telarah Dog Training

Another option is Telarah Dog Training who train at Maitland No. 2 Sportsground adjacent to Smyth Field in Maitland Saturday mornings. Toy/food reward based positive reinforcement club. No check chains allowed. Clickers encouraged. On Facebook or Telarah Dog Training website

I have one of each & love both too. I would say my boy is more people focused & more eager to please than my girl. You will love either.