Calling all dog trainers / experienced dog owners! I adopted a one year old certified good boy last week. For starters, he has not even been in our home a week. In my opinion, he has been adjusting really well! The boy LOVES his crate! He has slept through the night every night since day one with no issues. But…I did discover early on that he will not tolerate being in the crate alone without me in the room and will start with the whining and barking. I have done a disgusting amount of internet research and have taken to some training tips / suggestions, but I was hoping for more guidance (and honestly some reassurance). He seems to only feel comfortable falling asleep in the crate in my presence. He will willingly go in, I will shut the door, and he will fall asleep on his own while I fold laundry, read, or doom scroll on my phone. I have practiced exiting and entering the room a lot to reassure him I am always coming back. In the beginning, I had given him a treat when I returned. Now, I do not really acknowledge him, I just pass through. I have gotten away with leaving him alone in the crate for almost an hour today without hearing a whine or bark. I think this is good sign? The last thing I want to do is push him too quickly and then end up having a real problem. Is this actual separation anxiety or is it part of the adjustment period for a rescue? I am aware of the 3-3-3 "rule" and while I respect it, I honestly do not believe this totally applies to him. He has never been timid, shy, or hid. He is rather friendly and loves to snuggle up on us. He is also really smart and has been picking up on routine that we have (attempt) to establish so far. Please! Any and all advice welcome! Thank you in advance for the replies!
submitted by /u/cupatronic
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