When you get your puppy for the first time, all you want to do is spend time with it to bond with each other. Although this might seem like a good thing, it is also important to learn to let it live without you sometimes. This is because you will eventually have to go to work or do other things that do not require you to move around with it all the time.
Therefore, it is important to train your puppy to live and enjoy its own company without you so that it will know how to cope when such a situation eventually comes.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about leaving a puppy alone at home for the first time to understand what to do.
Can Dogs Be Left Alone
Yes, dogs can be left to cope on their own; however, this also depends on their age. For example, a young puppy can not be left alone for a long time because it is likely to mess up or develop anxiety about separation. However, you can leave them home for about an hour before they notice that you are gone.
Also, puppies under 12 weeks old can not be left alone for more than 2 hours; you will need to seek help from someone to take care of them while you are away. On the other hand, the older ones, about six months old and above, should be able to survive on their own while you are away at work or on an errand.
How to Train Puppy to Be Alone
As a puppy owner, we understand that leaving your pet alone can be a stressful experience. Here are some ways to train your purple to be alone:
Create a Comfortable and Secure Space for Your Puppy
The first thing you will need to do is create a safe and comfortable environment for your puppy. You can use a section of your house to create either a pen or crate where they can feel safe. Fill it with puppy favorite toys, where they can spend time playing and having fun.
Also, you can always play with them in this space to make them understand that it is a safe place to feel comfortable and not a punishment for locking them away.
Train Your Puppy to Be Alone
After setting up their haven, you can start teaching them to be alone. Train your puppy to play alone with its toys and have fun without you. When you notice that it is playing with its toys, slowly walk out of the room and return shortly after some time to praise and reward it. Do this all the time as you increase the time you are away from it.
Also, make sure to reward them with a treat every time you find them playing alone without damaging or causing chaos in the room. Some puppies may always whine when you leave them, meaning they are not yet ready to separate from you. Therefore, it will require time and patience as they get used to it.
Get a Puppy Cam
Setting up a puppy cam may also be a good idea when it comes to leaving puppy home alone first time. Endeavor to keep a watchful eye on it to see everything it does and how it behaves when you are not around. These cameras can be connected to your phone so you can watch over it even while at work. In this way, you can learn how it reacts and behaves when you are not around.
Socialize Your Puppy With Other People
You will not always be with your furry friend, which is why you will need to help it get used to other people. In this way, they can always get used to new people and reduce their stress and anxiety when you are not around.
Also, you can take it for walks in the park where there are other puppies and new faces to get used to new people. So when you need to go to work, you can always ask someone to help you take care of it for the short time you are away.
How to Stop Dog from Whining When Left Alone
Puppy crying when left alone is a common thing for most young pets as they are not yet used to being alone without their owner. However, these simple tips can help reduce their whining:
- Take them for walks: When you intend to leave your puppy in the house, take it for some walks to help relax and provide mental stimulation. This will help reduce separation anxiety once it is time for you to leave.
- Set a routine: Set up a routine for when you need to leave so that it is not surprising every time it sees you are not around. Be consistent in helping your puppy adjust to this time, and you will see it get used to it with time.
- Do not create a fuss when leaving: Do not give your pet a dramatic farewell, as this will make it hard for it to let you go. Instead, offer a quick pat and leave immediately, creating the same mood when you get back home.
Final Words
So, leaving a puppy alone at home for the first time can be a stressful experience for both you and your furry companion. However, as you can not be with it all the time, you need to learn how to train it to be alone for the time you are away.
To ensure successful training, the above training tips will help you navigate this whole process easily reducing separation anxiety for your pet. You can also seek professional help from dog trainers in case you encounter challenges while training your pet.
FAQs
What are the things I am not supposed to do when leaving my puppy alone for the first time?
When leaving your dog alone for the first time, you do not need to be so dramatic when saying goodbye or when you come back home; just be calm and reward them with a treat. Also, do not leave in a rush as it could overwhelm it,
Why is it important to leave your puppy alone sometimes?
A dog that has not learned to be alone can exhibit problem behavior, which can cause chaos once it is time to be left alone. Also, leaving them alone helps the puppies become more confident and not fully dependent on the owner all the time.