Want to make sure your puppy is comfortable alone? The steps below will help you prevent separation anxiety – which is a really challenging behavior to resolve.
Alright, here we go…
Step 1 is to spend time crate training
Do a loooot of really fun things in the crate. Feed their meals in a snuffle mat inside the crate, give them toys in the crate, give them stuffed frozen kongs in the crate.
Make the crate a really awesome place to be and leave the door open at first when you give your pup fun activities to do in the crate.
You’ll also want to teach your pup a “crate” or “Kennel up” cue. I break that down in my free crate training protocol PDF, that you can walk through step-by-step. I’ve included a link to download in the description below.
Step 2 is to give your pup alone time – even when you’re home
My favorite time to practice this is when I’m cleaning, I put all my dogs away. This is because I don’t want them stepping in chemicals after I swiffer, and I don’t want them to get into things they shouldn’t.
We don’t want them to associate the crate with their humans leaving – so it’s important that we give them that alone time when we ARE home as well.
Step 3 is to practice leaving your pup home alone
I know so many people that take off work the first week they’re home to really bond with their pup. While this is great, it’s important that they’re getting some time home alone so they can’t start to acclimate.
Don’t be afraid to take quick trips to the grocery store, go pick up take out, or run a quick errand. If we’re making an effort to ALWAYS be with our new puppies 24/7 for the first few weeks, they are going to have a hard time acclimating when you have to leave for longer periods of time.
When I leave, I like to leave some relaxing music on. If you look on YouTube, they have plenty of relaxing music you can play for your pup.
OK – so those are all my tips for today!
If you found these tips helpful, I’d appreciate it if you could leave me a comment saying the word “HELPFUL” in the comments below.