Puppies bring so much joy, love, and laughter to a home. But they do require a lot of attention and companionship during their early days as part of your family. Between potty training, crate training, and teething, the idea of leaving a puppy alone all day can be daunting.
With these tips from your friends at Union Lake Pet Services, you can feel more confident leaving a puppy alone on his own in your home:
Give Your Puppy Some Personal Space
As hard as it is not to spend every waking minute with your new companion, it can actually be detrimental to spend all your time at home with your puppy. Giving your dog some space while you are at home is a good way to teach your pup how to be alone.
After your next snuggles or social media photos, look for a space just for the puppy and let them spend some time alone. You can use gates, exercise pens, or even crates to put some distance between you and your pupper. This starts getting them used to spending time enjoying their own company.
Consider Crate Training Early
Crate training is an important tool when welcoming a new puppy into your home, especially when you have to leave the house for long stretches at a time. It gives your pup a safe space of his own, assists with potty training, and keeps your belongings safe from active puppy teeth. When crate training, be sure to:
- Introduce your puppy slowly to the crate—you can leave the door open with a comfy blanket or towel inside so your dog can explore it (and find comfort in your scent)
- Use treats and praise to encourage your puppy to see the crate as a positive place
- Start feeding your dog inside the crate once he feels comfortable
- Leave for short amounts of time so your pup can get used to being in there alone
- Test how he does in the crate by leaving him for 30 minutes or an hour at a time
Invest in Active Toys When Leaving a Puppy Alone
Toys like food puzzles or licking mats can keep your puppy occupied for a long time while you are gone. Not only do these toys keep your puppy’s mind off the fact that you are gone, but they also encourage your pup to be physically and mentally active. Interactive toys help to pique a puppy’s natural curiosity and offer them engagement even when they are on their own.
Consider Daycare
If leaving your puppy at home alone is not going well, you might want to consider alternative options like dog daycare. Daycare allows your puppy to socialize with other animals (and humans) throughout the day, get plenty of exercise, and stay out of trouble. With lots of individual and group attention and a structured schedule, dog daycare can complement your home training efforts.
Union Lake Pet Services offers a wide range of services to help give your pets the best lives. From dog daycare to training and grooming, we are here to offer you the helping hand you need to be the best pet owner you can be. To learn more about our services, please call (248) 363-6262.