[SABELLESMOM]

Your schedule certainly sounds reasonable. And big congratulations on your new pound pup adoptee, Smokey! I'll bet he's happy to have a family to love him.

Still, 13 weeks is a long time to remain with littermates, so naturally, he's going to complain when alone and crated. You just have to tough it out. He'll be fine.

Try getting to some training sessions. They are fun and you won't regret even one minute of time & effort put into training. A well behaved, trained, socalized dog is a welcome addition to any home, and a bonus if he can remain when guests are present.

A reliable down-stay goes a long way at mealtimes, for instance. You eat in peace and the dog lies somewhere in the room. Then, when company arrives, a down stay may help during those first hectic moments, when you need him out of the way...not over excited and knocking granny over. He can mingle later.

Anyway, enjoy this fabulous little guy! Puppyhood doesn't last forever. And they can be danged cute, too!