karin
Settling in well!
Posts: 69 
Animals I love: Manatees, tortoies, fish and dogs
Pets I own: Cockapoo - Bindi
Tortoises x 3 - Spartacus, Henry and Hanje
Tropical fish x 50+
an adopted Manatee called Whiskers who lives in Florida
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Post by karin on May 31, 2013 5:42:38 GMT
Hi,
Does anyone have any tips on how to train a puppy to be comfortable alone for a few minutes?. Our Cockapoo is 9 weeks old and been with us a week now, we have almost cracked the toilet issue and sleeping at night but the min we leave the room (I do need to use the bathroom sometimes you know) she whimpers and stresses. This happens whether she is in her crate or loose. In fact she cries behined the gate when she can see me in the next room so it;s not just when I am out of sight, maybe we have spoilt her this week in which case we need to move on now.
I know we need to take it slow and build the time up, I have another week of work but after that she will be in her crate for 2 hours at a time alone with the radio on.
Should I ignore her cries or? Thanks for any advice!
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Post by charlottte on May 31, 2013 6:11:40 GMT
Ignoring her will just increase her anxiety levels and could result in a pup with Separation problems. Teaching her it's not scary to be alone is the key. You could try giving her something to do when you leave (even if it is just for a few minutes) - a kong or a treat ball she can roll around perhaps. Or you could do some short out of sight sessions. Step out of sight, immediately step back - treat. Step out for 1 sec - step back treat, step out 2 seconds - treat etc etc. building up a second at a time for a quiet puppy. Also I don't know if she's got free reign to attention in your house but if so, try having a couple of minutes, a couple of times a day where she has to lie by herself on a bed/in her crate etc and just chill out. Obviously the time would need to be built up slowly but after a really good play or training session would be good as she will be worn out anyway. She can be in the same room, just not getting constant attention from everyone Its very hard to ignore an adorable little bundle of fluff, especially if you have kids lol. The last YD issue had a very good article about teaching a dog to be alone, it could be worth a look at  |
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Post by bextull on May 31, 2013 17:52:31 GMT
Have a look at this video,
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Post by BorderTerrier on May 31, 2013 18:52:51 GMT
I would highly recommend giving her a stuffed puppy KONG to keep her occupied and happy.
As your dog is a puppy, you will have sleepless nights, maybe some half sleepless nights, other nights just plain cold and tiring, up with your puppy. It happened with myself when we got our lovely Earl boy. He is know completely well behaved alone in a crate - but if he hears something that may disturb him, like us chatting or up in the night, he will get slightly pent up.
You must roll along with what is expected from a puppy - hopefully you considered this before you brought your puppy home...
Having rough nights just lead up to a happy, well behaved, settled dog for the future.
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Post by charlottte on May 31, 2013 19:10:06 GMT
I don't think it's through the night that's the problem BT, it's in general. Also I'm sure it was considered, but as you know from having Earl as a pup (I DEFINITELY know from having Buddy lol!), you can read up and educate your self 100% and then still get a curve ball thrown in. Puppies are unpredictable, you dont know what youre gonna get behaviour wise until the pup is home, some are naturally more needy than others, but they can all learn to be left alone |
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Post by BorderTerrier on May 31, 2013 19:21:03 GMT
I don't think it's through the night that's the problem BT, it's in general. Also I'm sure it was considered, but as you know from having Earl as a pup (I DEFINITELY know from having Buddy lol!), you can read up and educate your self 100% and then still get a curve ball thrown in. Puppies are unpredictable, you dont know what youre gonna get behaviour wise until the pup is home, some are naturally more needy than others, but they can all learn to be left alone Alright - it is known, however, for new owners to have sleepless nights because of their unpredictable pups!  |
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karin
Settling in well!
Posts: 69
Animals I love: Manatees, tortoies, fish and dogs
Pets I own: Cockapoo - Bindi
Tortoises x 3 - Spartacus, Henry and Hanje
Tropical fish x 50+
an adopted Manatee called Whiskers who lives in Florida
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Post by karin on May 31, 2013 19:35:28 GMT
Thanks all !!
I am coping with the nights and each one gets easier, it's the fact that I can leave the room for a second during the day if she is awake that is upsetting Bindi. I have a kong which I will use eventually when I have built up some time away but for now I need to ask tips on how to not make her so upset when I only nip to the bathroom or make a cuppa.
I can build up the time once she can be a couple of mins alone. Thanks again.
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Post by BorderTerrier on May 31, 2013 19:39:14 GMT
No problem karin. I hope you cope well with it all |
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