When you just get a puppy there’s such much to be done, introducing them to their new home. With potty training and puppy proofing among other things, it may seem like you’re always busy. But there’s one crucial step that must not be forgotten – teaching your pup how to enjoy his own company. It is so tempting to spend every second with your new pet but this does them no good at all. In the end you will have to leave your dog alone by himself. Initially, leaving a puppy on their own can be stressful because dogs are very social animals. Yet, with some time and effort, they can stay relaxed and confident while being alone.
Using a Safe Puppy Confinement Area
Your brand-new pup has most likely never been left alone before in its life. Going from constant companionship to spending an entire eight-hour workday alone is quite harsh for them. Begin by teaching your puppy how to be alone even when you are around the house. For this purpose, a safe confinement area such as an exercise pen or crate would work well. When used correctly, a crate or exercise pen makes the puppy view it as a relaxing place rather than as punishment. Provide meals inside it for your puppy so that they can associate this space with positive things only; however if it’s big enough also play together in there briefly To make sure they find it irresistible, give them some special toys which are only available in their cage or crate When they show joy while entering the restricted area without any prompting from you then start training him for being alone.
Teaching a Puppy Alone Time
Begin by closing your pup inside the playpen with something like a small chew toy or other constructive activity specifically made for puppies then silently leave the room Return immediately and praise him while giving him his favorite treat Repeat going through this process gradually increasing duration of absence every time In the beginning even a couple of minutes seem like forever to your little one but over the course of three or four days you should be able to build to fairly long absences. As the time span increases, return to check on your puppy periodically. If they are quiet and calm, reward them with low-key praise and a treat before leaving to continue the countdown.
Creating Happy Associations for Your Puppy
When left alone in their safe area with nothing else to do, trouble is bound to arise between puppies. Instead, give them something constructive to do whenever they’re in confinement. This teaches them how to enjoy life on their own. It’s perfect for a dog who loves chewing if it’s a chew toy whose hollow center is filled with some peanut butter or kibble. Kongs work well because there’s food inside that will motivate your puppy into working at getting it out of the toy which strengthens its chewing behavior Over time, your puppies prefer their toys than tearing up the baseboards in search of something interesting or tasty enough for such activity
Making Alone Time Less Stressful
If your puppy is crying in their confinement area, you’ve probably started the training before they’ve associated the area with fun stuff, or you have been away for too long. Do not get into a habit of releasing them when they cry. You will also be teaching them that whimpering unlocks the door and wins favor. Instead, reduce their time alone to what they can manage at every go and gradually increase it. Just remember, however that this confinement in your exercise pen or crate is only a temporary measure while you work on the alone-time training of your puppy.
Looking for Help Along The Way
You can seek help from a puppy sitter if you cannot afford to stay home with your dog all day. Also if you do not want to leave the house vacant during such times as when your baby takes some rest within his confinement space, then consider having one of your close friends look after him while spending free time at home doing nothing serious. A dog walker will be an ideal solution when your dog’s alone time training has gone far enough so that he can now be left behind for part of the day but eight hours are still too much for him. Fix it up right in the middle of a day on which both your pet wants company and he actually needs to pee. Equally as important, think about giving Pup some form of physical or mental workout before leaving it alone. Walking him, vigorous playtime or even going through a training session could all tire out little Pup so much so that he would sleep soon after giving way.
Enjoying the Benefits of a Confident Puppy
A lonely dog who has never learned how to enjoy being by itself may exhibit problem behaviors whenever left unaccompanied. The best case scenario is an untrained lone pup does its own thing and usually it’s not what you find funny as well. On the other hand, separation anxiety can develop. However, once your dog has learned that it can be alone and enjoyable things happen to it, it will know how to live without always being the centre of attention even when you are there with it. In addition, teaching your puppy to enjoy its alone time will contribute towards some significant milestones in training such as passing the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. In this program aimed at helping puppies and their owners start off on the right note there is an isolation exercise within the test. This should be a walk in the park for an animal that has been trained to love being alone.