Hi All, I’ve been reading a lot of the posts about how each puppy is different and some take a bit longer to settle! But as a first time puppy parent I’m struggling with what is normal puppy behaviour and what I need to be worried about! My puppy has been home for almost two weeks and is really struggling with separation and is very vocal about it, I am trying Kongs and not going back to him if he is barking but he doesn’t seem to be able to settle himself. Is it ok to just go out and expect him to get used to being alone or are there methods that people use to support the puppy in being alone? Also he is barking frequently at us, sometimes when we are not doing anything- I think maybe because he wants something but it’s hard to tell what that is, can anyone suggest a good coping mechanism for this? The sleep deprivation (he wakes up every 1-2 hours at night) is not helping me cope with the noise and we live in close proximity to our neighbours which makes me anxious! I’d be so grateful for any words of wisdom/ reassurance! Thank you X
Puppies can be very demanding! Try leaving a radio on when you expect him to settle, as well as giving him a Kong. It also helps to play with him or do some training before you expect him to settle so that he is tired, both physically and mentally - but don't over-tire him! It's useful to have a routine, but don't stick to it too rigidly or your puppy will expect things to happen at certain times. It will be easier when you can take him for walks, but if he's not too heavy you can carry him out and about to get used to different places. That will help to tire him out too, as he'll be taking in new experiences. Sleep deprivation doesn't help at all, so I hope he sleeps better at night time soon. Make sure that you interact with him as little as possible at night so that he learns that it's boring to wake up then. Train a command for him to wee/poo so that, with luck, he does it as quickly as possible if he needs to, then put him straight back to bed to settle. It will get easier, but it can be tough in the early days. Let us know how you get on.
Hello Kelly, yes the early weeks can be very trying, it's a lot like having a new baby in the house! But it does get better soon. I would try teaching him what it is you want - in other words, praising him for being quiet and settled. So every time he is being quiet, give a quick marker word (like 'good') and give him a treat. Are you using a crate or puppy pen? If so, just pop him in there for a few seconds, go out, and then come back in BEFORE he gets upset, and praise him for being quiet, give him a treat. Then you very, very slowly increase the time he can manage being alone - from literally three seconds, to five seconds, to ten seconds, to half a minute, a minute, two minutes, five minutes etc. It's all about him understanding that he is safe and not abandoned when you go out of the room - he simply does not understand that yet. You'll get there!
I also have a new puppy.. 9 weeks now. I have had her for one week now. I love her. But I am so overwhelmed right now. Between the lack of sleep, the constant chewing, the diarrhea, the constant watching her, tell me when it will get better.
Once you get the toilet training handled and they stop biting, which can be anything from a couple of weeks away to several (or many many) months. No, you won't be completely out of the woods, but it makes tackling all the other training much easier. Things generally start looking up around 5 months. I know, it seems ages away, and it won't be easy, but this forum is proof that things will improve - many of us found this place because we were in exactly the same situation as you - at our wit's end.
