Hi! We got a 16 week old puppy on Sunday. He has been adjusting a lot better than we thought! He was comfortable around us almost right away, loves to play and cuddle with us, has been sleeping through the night already, etc.
He stayed with a trainer for a couple extra months, so he has a good foundation. He likes his crate and generally has no problems sleeping in there overnight or for naps. However, we always need to be next to him. I either need to sit on the floor by his crate or lay on the couch which is right next to the crate and he can see me from there. I can’t even go to the kitchen, which is still very close and visible from his crate.
Today I just tried to tough it out while I went to the bathroom for a minute, and he barked and cried the whole time. When I came out I sat next to the crate but didn’t give him any attention, and then gave him a treat once he settled. How should I continue introducing alone time? I don’t want to stress him out, and I don’t want him to hurt himself when he’s scratching at the crate, but I also don’t want to come back right away and make him think if he cries I’ll come back (reinforcing the behavior).
I know this is relatively normal for puppies. But our last dog had really bad separation anxiety, so I want to make sure I address it before it’s too late. We do have a check in scheduled with the trainer, but want to start working on it asap. Or, should I left him adjust to us and his new home for the week and start that next week?
submitted by /u/Champagneapple
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