Simba is a very smart, considerate dog. He minds his business, he touches his things, leaves ours be. It's been like that since day one.

I couldn't imagine teaching Simba and Nala all of the tricks they know on the first day. That would be too stressful and boring for the dog.


We bought him a crate, which now Nala uses, the first day we got him. We didn't want to take the chances of getting into things that could harm him while we were gone. Not saying that he would, or he could -- We just took those extra percautions to take care of our baby, just in case.

Nala goes in her cage when we feed her in the morning & I have to go to school. I used to keep her in there at night, but she "graduated" to my bed.
Both of my dogs know the command "Go in your cage." We could tell them from the living room, to do so and they will. Simba even opens it.

Crate training or not, a 5 & a 1/2 week old puppy, being so young, I really don't think should be left unattended, especially with a young child, who is paralyzed at that.
It was totally irresponsible of the mother, and if I were her I would have been more afraid for the dogs safety than the child's. Although i'm I don't know this young child, most young boys or young children at that -- aren't too aware of "Hey, This puppy is alive. It feels, and it hurts. Be nice to it."