The Transition to Leaving Your Puppy Alone

Since dogs are outgoing creatures, it is not typical to separate them from the rest of the household. At some point in time, all domesticated dogs are left alone, which makes it important to ensure they learn ways on how to cope with being solitary. This practice is best learned while still a puppy.

When puppies are not taught how to deal with being left alone, a host of issues arise when they are finally on their own, even when separation takes place for only a couple of minutes. Anxious dogs will scratch doors, chew items, dig out the carpets, pace about in a panic, bark, howl, and sometimes lose control of their bladder.

In order to prevent these occurrences, your puppy should be left alone at an early age, which becomes more important when you are spending long stretches of time with him or her during the day.

The fear of abandonment is common amongst puppies, which are always on the lookout for their mother until they become more independent and mature. As a substitute for their mother, it is your responsibility to teach self-reliance and instill gradual independence in the same manner they would encounter if it naturally took place.

This is a process that should start as soon as you bring home your puppy. It is suggested to select a time when he or she is tired and most likely to lie down for a nap. In advance, engage in playtime and take him outdoors if they need to use the bathroom.

Next, place the puppy in their bed and close the door – leaving them alone in the room. Puppies typically feel safer when they sleep in a den-like environment. You can promote a settled surrounding by placing their bed under a table or use an indoor kennel that has been covered with a blanket.

If you hear any whining, yelping, or scratches at the door, simply ignore these pleas. In due time, they will get used to being on their own and soon settle in for a good night's sleep. When they are still young, open the door after they have fallen asleep. The puppy is then able to come to you in the morning when they need to go outside.

This particular exercise needs repeating, as it will eventually build up the amount of time a puppy can stay on his or her own. They will soon learn how to deal with a couple of hours of separation. Teaching him to cope without your presence when you are still in the house also helps him to stay relaxed in being left alone.

It is highly recommended to never look in after a puppy that is uncooperative because if you do, they will see this as a reward for this particular behavior and will continue the unwanted action. Once your puppy becomes quiet, it is OK to enter. You can then praise their good behavior. As soon as they become quiet, go in to give praise.

If a puppy is left to whine for hours and hours, it will only create a more intense fear of being left alone. The process relies on building a tolerance to longer absences, but never speedier than your puppy is able to deal with.

When you come back from an absence, never punish a dog – no matter what took place while you were gone. A dog has no way of linking what they did a long time ago with what you are upset with. This response will not prevent a similar incident.

He simply looks at it that you are angry because you have come back, which will make them anxious the next time you depart. Dogs will sometimes become worried about you coming back, which can lead to separation problems in the future.

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