Best Way To Train A Puppy To Be Left Alone

Due to the current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic and many people staying home more often, it’s likely that puppy owners have had to train their newest addition to be left alone for longer periods of time. Training a puppy to be comfortable when left alone is a key skill for any pup to learn. There are specific things that can be done to make the process easier on both you and your puppy.

Establish a Routine or Schedule

When training your puppy to stay alone, it's important to set up a routine or schedule. This will help your puppy understand what to expect when you're not there. Establishing a consistent daily routine or schedule can help your pup feel more secure and understand what to do during their alone time.

Start by setting aside a specific amount of time each day for leaving the house and returning. This will help your pup learn that your departures and arrivals are normal and not something to be afraid of. You should also create a consistent time for taking your pup out for walks and playing together. This will help the pup become familiar with the schedule and adjust quickly to your departures and arrivals.

Create a Secure and Comfortable Space

You should create a secure and comfortable space for your pup while you're away. This could mean setting up a kennel or crate for them to stay in, or simply setting aside a corner of your home for the pup to relax in. Make sure the space is comfortable and secure, and provide your pup with plenty of food, water, and toys. This will help your pup feel safe and give them something to focus on while you're away.

Puppies need to feel secure and comfortable in their environment. Provide blankets and pillows for them to lay on, and stuffed animals for them to cuddle up with when they're feeling stressed or anxious. Also, make sure their space is quiet and out of the way of any loud noises or activity that may cause the pup to become stressed or anxious.

Gradual Increase of Time Alone

When introducing your pup to staying alone, it's important to start with small amounts of time and gradually increase the time as your pup becomes more comfortable. Start by leaving the house for a few minutes and returning. Gradually increase the amount of time you're gone, but always return before your pup becomes too anxious or stressed. This will help the pup become more comfortable with longer periods of alone time.

It's also helpful to provide a few treats when you return so that the pup associates being left alone with positive reinforcement. If your pup starts to become anxious or agitated when you're away, you may need to reduce the amount of time you're gone and start over. You should also avoid punishing your pup for any accidents or messes they may make while alone.

Provide Mental Stimulation

When your pup is left alone, you should provide them with mental stimulation to occupy their time. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pup's mind active and engaged while you're away. You can also provide treats, which will encourage the pup to search for them and keep their mind occupied. Interactive dog toys are another great way to provide mental stimulation for your pup and keep them entertained while you're away.

By providing mental stimulation and physical activities such as walks, you can help your pup stay happy and content while being left alone. This will help them adjust to longer periods of alone time more quickly.

Conclusion

Training a puppy to be comfortable being left alone can be challenging, but it's an important skill for any pup to learn. By establishing a routine and creating a secure and comfortable space for them, providing mental stimulation and gradually increasing the time they spend alone, you can help your pup adjust more quickly and comfortably. With patience and consistency, you can help your pup become secure and content when left alone.

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