Needing help with puppy issues

[Legendary Magnum Rebel]

First, I currently have a 2 ½ month old yellow lab that’s crate in a 6ft sq play/exercise pen inside and ½ acre fenced back yard. While he was very easy to house break, stays in the crate at night with no problem but has started barking during the day while in the play/exercise pen. He is let out twice at night and several times thru ought the day but when placed back in the pen he’s constantly barking and jumping. I’m not a big fan of just letting him run free in the backyard and wanted to avoid putting him in a large yard kennel. What’s my best options to control the barking & jumping while inside?
Second, I’ve just started throwing a few bumpers and keeping him on a check cord but he’s constantly biting on the cord. What’s my best option to reduce the biting or in due time he’ll leave it alone.
This is my first lab and any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[JustinS]

Welcome To RTF, first off congrats on your new pup, dont worry about the biting of the leash just keep walking and making turns pretty soon the pup will just concentrate on where your going as for the jumping - dogs typically puppies like to be near your face so kneel down when you pet them and when your standing and the dog is jumping turn your back, also step on the check cord so they cant jump up and for the barking I use a spray bottle with water and spray them in the face when they bark and tell them quiet, dont give a command you are not going to enforce. and if that doesnt work at 4 months put a barking collar on him and let him learn that barking hurts. good luck

[fishin444]

A little young for a collar just now. The barking is a call for attention. I also use the quiet command and pick pup up by scruff of the neck until front paws are off the ground, hold him there for a little while, and set him back down. no need to yell or get excited. You don't have to be rough about it either just be firm and unemotional. If pup persists put him in his kennel. I will sometimes put a sheet over kennel. If he's quiet Let him out to his play area give him his toy. I use an old sock When he gets old enough to be outside consider getting a doggie door. Believe me it will save you a lot of up and down. I get my pups to use mine as soon as they can get out of it and as bonus less mess to clean up in the house and they are already trained for their new owners when they leave at eight weeks. I whelp and raise all my pups in my house you would be amazed as to what those little buggers can learn before they go to their new homes.

[windycanyon]

How much alone time are you expecting him to endure? Labs are pretty social creatures (which is why they do so well as service/guide dogs too), so I think you are expecting too much of him. I'd be planning on several short training sessions per day to keep him happy. Most labs are much happier being w/ their people, in the house, even if that's in a crate.

[Legendary Magnum Rebel]

Thanks for the tips, not much alone time. His schedule is: i take him out @ 5am, crate & play pen thru out the day, wife lets him out ever couple of hours thru out day, I usually take him out @ 10pm & 1am. The main problem is wife watches two small children during the day and Magnum is starting to bark during the day which upsets the babies. I'll try the water bottle when he's barking and jumping on play pen walls.

[windycanyon]

As a breeder, I try to tell folks that a puppy can be nearly as demanding as the human kids the first several months, imo. You just added another "baby" to the mix. I know, not a popular opinion for some, but it's mine and it's why I rarely sell to homes w/ very young children. I'd encourage you to try to find a good puppy obedience class and give that 4 legged baby some one on one time, in a controlled environment, away from home and the crying, etc, babies. Again, JMNSHO. Good luck.