I got a cavoodle about 4 weeks ago and I adore him. He’s currently nearly 14 weeks old. The issue is, I took 2 weeks off work and trialled small periods away and all he would do is scream. I am gate training him at the back end of the house with a dog door to the backyard. It’s been 2 weeks since I’ve been back at work.
I was going to get my mum to check in during the work day but I’ve had my nan become suddenly terminally ill so the puppy has been at home for 8 hours a work day alone 🙁 I have cameras.
His behaviours when I’m home: follows me around, can’t play alone (will bring me a toy), typical ankle biting, food-driven to the max, otherwise normal but testing puppy behaviours. He sleeps on my head. Sometimes sooks when I’m in the shower. It’s a lot.
His behaviours when I’m not home: immediate jumping and whining once I reach an ambiguous distance from the gate. Yelping, howling, crying sounds, grabbing toys and pacing around looking for me. He will carry as many toys outside as he can and will sometimes carry them back inside. Scratching on the wall by the gate. He will wake from an inevitable nap and start whining again. Surprisingly zero accidents when I’m away. He will stop screaming, go to the toilet, then commence screaming. It’s conveniently depressing. He will after an hour or two eat. His poo is normal.
What ive tried: frozen peanut butter kong, lick mat, frozen fruits, vegetables, food dispenses in a puzzle ball thing (all of which he’s obsessed with when I’m home). I put toys and his blanket in my bed with us at night to get the scent onto them. The next day those toys are the ones he paces around with first.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel beyond guilty and as though I should rehome him as I can’t afford to take anymore time off work. I leave as late as possible and get home as soon as I can. The vet said he will grow out of it and that he’s still a baby.
submitted by /u/Fragrant_Review_2393
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