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Puppy Independence and Relaxation
How to Teach Your Dog to Settle On Their Own
When you first bring your puppy home, it might be tempting to spend every moment with them. After all, who can resist those cute puppy antics?
One of the key skills to teach your puppy from the start is how to self-settle independently. Afterall, it's impossible for you to be together 24/7 and your pup will ultimately need to be left alone. Don’t wait until you need to return to work or go somewhere to leave your puppy alone for the first time. It's likely going to be a distressing culture shock for your pup!
Set up a Dedicated Space
Start by setting up a dedicated space for your puppy in the form of a crate or a play pen. Arrange it in the most common area of your home so that your puppy can learn to relax near you without having to be involved. Teach your pup it’s a good place to be by making the space comfortable with a bed and some toys.
This gives you an area to safely contain your puppy when you can’t actively watch them and a space for them to feel safe in. At the same time, they can observe what is happening and start to build up a tolerance for being separated. It also teaches your puppy how to relax and to not constantly be looking for entertainment.
Be Comfortable Being Alone
When leaving your puppy alone for extended periods of time, give them something else to focus on. Bring your puppy for a walk or play with them to release some excess energy beforehand. Then place them in their dedicated space and give them a long lasting chew or a toy filled with food to keep them busy. Slowly and quietly leave the room.
Return shortly but busy yourself with doing something else in the space before you go and calmly greet your pup. On occasion you can even leave the room again without acknowledging your pup. The goal is to get your puppy used to you coming and going without worrying.
What to Do if Your Puppy Cries?
If your puppy cries, try not to call out to them, let them out or rush back to them as this will only reinforce to them that whining and barking will get your attention! Instead, wait until there is a pause and then go back. Make a note next time to leave for a shorter period and slowly build up the time away.
It’s important that those living under the same roof also follow the same protocol of not attending to the puppy when it cries. Or it’s just sending the puppy mixed messages! If you are concerned, consider installing a pet camera so that you can check in on your puppy without having to go back into the room.
If you are worried about your neighbours getting upset with the crying, try reaching out to them to explain that you are working on training your puppy over the next couple of weeks and thank them in advance for their patience and understanding. Some chocolates or wine (for your neighbours!) won’t hurt either.
Remember, some breeds will take longer than others to adjust with being alone but with time and patience teaching your puppy to be comfortable with being alone is the foundation of a well-adjusted adult dog.
