Welcoming a new puppy into your home

01/08/2023 - Blog

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it can also be a challenging one. One of the biggest challenges that new puppy owners face is teaching their puppy to be left home alone. Puppies are social animals and they crave attention and companionship, so it is natural for them to feel anxious and upset when left alone. However, it is important to teach your puppy to be comfortable and relaxed when you are not around, as this will help prevent separation anxiety and other behavioral issues down the line. 

Here are some tips on how to teach a new puppy to be left home alone:

1. Start slow: It is important to start slowly when teaching your puppy to be left alone. Begin by leaving your puppy alone for just a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the length of time as your puppy becomes more comfortable.

2. Create a safe space: Dogs feel more secure in their own space, so create a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to stay in when you are not home. This can be a crate or a designated area in your home where your puppy can feel safe and secure.

3. Practice leaving and returning: Practice leaving your puppy alone for short periods of time and then returning, gradually increasing the length of time you are away. This will help your puppy learn that you will always come back.

4. Keep your departures and arrivals low-key: When leaving and returning home, keep your interactions with your puppy low-key and brief. This will help your puppy learn that your comings and goings are normal and nothing to get overly excited about.

5. Provide plenty of exercise and stimulation: Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. This will help your puppy feel tired and content when you are not home, making it easier for them to relax and settle down.

6. Use positive reinforcement: Whenever your puppy stays calm and relaxed while you are away, reward them with plenty of praise and treats. This will help reinforce the positive behavior and make it more likely that your puppy will continue to be calm and relaxed when left alone.

Teaching a new puppy to be left home alone can be a challenging process, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, it is possible to help your puppy feel comfortable and relaxed when you are not around. By starting slow, creating a safe space, practicing leaving and returning, keeping your interactions low-key, providing plenty of exercise and stimulation, and using positive reinforcement, you can help your puppy learn to be a happy and well-adjusted member of your family.