How do I teach a puppy to be alone

[Maryhw]

Hello, I have a now 11 week old whippet puppy who has been with us for 9 days. For the last 5 days I have been on my own with him while my partner has been away for some training (I don’t work from home but I have had annual leave this week). I was just wondering how I can teach my puppy to be alone? I only ever plan on leaving him for a couple hours at most while my boyfriend is at work and I run errands that I can’t take him on (eg. Dentist, hairdressers, food shopping). This week has been quite tough just doing basic things like have a shower and leaving him for 30 minutes so I can wash and dry my hair. I wait until he is sleepy and put him in his bed and leave out treats such ad stuffed kongs or licky matts covered in dog friendly foods but he still seems to end up whining which turns into barking. I know it’s a lot to expect from him at this point to be ok alone but some tips or advice would help as I don’t want to cause separation anxiety or long term issues. He sleeps alone in his crate in the living room at night time with no problems whatsoever while my boyfriend and I sleep in our bedroom down the hall, it’s just daytime that seems to be an issue. Thank you

 

[Maryhw]

Hello, I have a now 11 week old whippet puppy who has been with us for 9 days. For the last 5 days I have been on my own with him while my partner has been away for some training (I don’t work from home but I have had annual leave this week). I was just wondering how I can teach my puppy to be alone? I only ever plan on leaving him for a couple hours at most while my boyfriend is at work and I run errands that I can’t take him on (eg. Dentist, hairdressers, food shopping). This week has been quite tough just doing basic things like have a shower and leaving him for 30 minutes so I can wash and dry my hair. I wait until he is sleepy and put him in his bed and leave out treats such ad stuffed kongs or licky matts covered in dog friendly foods but he still seems to end up whining which turns into barking. I know it’s a lot to expect from him at this point to be ok alone but some tips or advice would help as I don’t want to cause separation anxiety or long term issues. He sleeps alone in his crate in the living room at night time with no problems whatsoever while my boyfriend and I sleep in our bedroom down the hall, it’s just daytime that seems to be an issue. Thank you

Also just to add, I have tried leaving a T-shirt of mine with him, the radio with classic fm on and a clock close to his bed. I have just purchased a hot water bottle which I’m going to try next. I just don’t know if I’m confusing him trying different things or if I’m being impatient

 

[JudyN]

Have a read of this post on separation anxiety: Separation anxiety and, if you leave him in his crate during the day, also this one (by Emma Judson) on crate training: Crate-Training.docx - Microsoft Word Online

Then come back and ask if you have any further questions

 

[JoanneF]

Can I add, the Flitting Game (also developed by Emma) is a good way to start teaching your puppy to be more independent.

It's described about ⅔ of the way down this page.

https://www.thecanineconsultants.co.uk/post/separation-anxiety-fact-vs-fiction