She is whining due to separation anxiety. First off, at six weeks of age she is far too young to be away from her mother and litter mates. You will have problems with her, as she will socialize with people and never understand what it means to be a dog. You’re setting yourself up for some real problems later.
That said, do you know anyone who has a nice older dog, one that would befriend a puppy, and that can live with you for the next five weeks until she is nearer to 12 weeks old? It will make a world of difference later on.
Housebreaking a gun dog breed like a Lab isn’t that difficult. If you have a spare bathroom where you can put down ‘pee pads’ at night, (absorbent pads that have an odor that attracts young dogs so they pee and poo on the pads instead of your floors) they can get used to going in one place. Be sure and have a soft, large enough bed for her to sleep in also in the bathroom. At some time they will be able to sleep through the night and a crate will be sufficient.
Note: we withhold water after 9PM and since we arise in the morning about 5:30, we escort the dogs outside and give them water at that time. Then we feed them.
If you have any questions, please ask me. We’ve had gun dog breeds for the past 43 years.
Thank you all for your advice. She was calm on our bed; we have a purchased bed for her, and she slept there last night. She has now started whimpering again, so I am bringing her up. Perhaps the owners let us purchase her when she was too young to be away from her Mom. I will take her out again, then bring her up.
As for everyone else, I will respond a.s.a.p.; I am sorry but I have to try to get some sleep. I have certainly got great advice on this thread.
Even my 14 year-old daughter, who wanted the puppy, is upset because she keeps her awake with her crying.
Thanks, everyone. You can always count on Freepers for great advice.
Julie
SatinDoll, you are so right about dog socialization.
Proud American, the pup will get used to the crate, it will be miserable for a few weeks but you can get through it and the dog will eventually consider the crate their quiet place. But you really need an older well socialized dog to teach you pup how to be around other dogs and you need to love on the pup to teach him to love people. Socialization, socialization, socialization, do it now and you will have a great partner for the rest of his life.