Am i giving puppy too much freedom?

Hi guys, In need of some advice pls.

Have a 9 week old pup and crate training. The first week we got him my hubby was off work and after alot of research online we followed the 1hr rule that we kept reading about - crate for 1hr - out to toilet - play for 15 - crate for an hour and so on.

Since hubby has been back to work (2 weeks) i have been a bit more lenient and let him out for most of the day which as far as bedtime goes is good because he is shattered by 8-9pm and in his bed asleep until 6am.

The problem im finding is that now when he is out he seems on mass destruction, he chews what he can and now attacks the cats - although in return they give him a swipe.

Is this all normal puppy behaviour or am i giving him too much freedom?

It's normal puppy behaviour.

When I crated my present dog he was only in the crate overnight, when he was going to be left alone and for the occasional 'time out'. The rest of the time I just kept an eye on him & used his chewing etc as a chance to train him with "leave" and "no" etc.

I disagree completely with the regimen you have mentioned. A crate is a training tool, not a prison.

You dont mention whether you have any interactive play with your pup or supply him with any other stimulation. Giving him chew toys would help.

Thanks for your replies.

The regime we gave him was suggested on sites regarding successful crate training, we do not use it to put him in if he is naughty or anything. he knows its his home/bed and is happy to go in and out as he pleases throughout the day - unless i have to pop out.

As for toys yes he has a good variety to play with and as i am home with the children he gets to have lots of play time with us and also my husband after work

Im not using a crate with my pup shes 8 weeks old shes out all day and night. she does try to chew things but using 'leave it' and 'no' is starting to work thank god as we have said it so much its making me sick lol. The only thing she has trashed is a corner of a photo album which is on the bottom shelf of the book case. saying that we have only had her 5ish days lol

good luck

Not giving him to much freedom at all and very normal puppy behaviour. His crate is a place he should go voluntairly to feel safe. The rest of the behaviour you will have to teach him not to do

I don't agree with creating unless you are going out and dont trust them to be left alone or at night (i never crated at all though), when you know you can't watch them. Otherwise how are they to learn how to act in the home if they are stuck in a cage they can just about turn around in?

Crates are not to subdue your dog into behaving, they are a tool to be used occasionally when you have no other option and for the dog to feel safe. NOT a punishment ever.