How To Train Your Puppy To Accept "Being Alone"

A common problem that occurs between dogs and owners comes from how the pet reacts to being left alone. In this type of situation, we have to keep in mind that our puppy is a pack animal. He was not built to be on his own. The whole point of living in pack is to be able to live as a group and work together, play together, hunt together, and raise puppies together. Every puppy was made from this same mold. Being alone does not come naturally to him.

With proper care and training, we can help him adjust and accept staying alone. You need to be sympathetic and determined when training your dog to accept your necessary absences. You must show him over and over again that you will come back and give him love, take care of him, and fulfill his needs.

You will need to set up a crate or den area for your puppy and establish a permanent location for his water bowl and food dish. He will also need a blanket or towel to sleep on and papers or potty pads to relieve himself. Give him safe toys to chew. Chewing will help him relieve his anxiety. Keep this in mind if he chews on your shoe one day in an attempt to make himself feel better. It is anxiety, not spite that makes him do bad things when you are out. However, you must still correct him. But you also have to understand that while your pet can adjust to being left alone, it is not a natural state for him and he is never going to like it.

Your comings and goings during the first few days of acquiring your puppy will help to communicate to him that you will come and go. Some puppies adjust easily while some will find this area very difficult. Naturally, if you have a breed that was originally developed to herd and protect a flock, he will tend to get upset when his flock disappears. Understanding the qualities bred into your dog for generations will help you predict his behavior and how he will react to certain situations such as training, how he responds to children, and being left alone.

Giving your puppy something to do to keep him busy will help when he is left alone. He should have safe things to chew. Another pet, such as another dog or a cat, will also help ward off lonely feeling. In addition, you can help him feel better by giving him a good exercise right before you leave. This will tire him and relax him. Furthermore, you can train him before you leave for the day. This reminds him that you are the leader of the pack and also reminds him of his security as well as his limitations. He will therefore feel less anxious knowing that he has a loving, firm, and fair master. You can even leave the radio on while you are gone. Music and voices are a great comfort to a puppy who has to spend the day alone.

By Melanie Bosano

Melanie Bosano has had years of hands on experience caring for and training dogs. This dog lover also writes for http://www.all-about-yorkshire-terriers.com

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