Hello Everyone, We have an 11 week old black Labrador puppy. We have had him nearly two weeks but we are struggling with leaving him alone. We tried putting him in his crate at night which he hated and just constantly cried and whimpered. In order that we could all get some sleep, we made up a bed for him our bedroom so that he could be next to me, and that has worked fine and we are continuing to do this. The main problem is that he just doesn't seem to be want to be left alone. Both my husband and I work and the children are at school. My husband works from mid afternoon till nightime so the puppy is usually left for about 90 minutes on his own, until the children get home from school. We put him in the kitchen, with his basket and numerous toys but he just gets so worked up. It is very distressing to listen to, but we have no choice. I just need either advice or reassurance that things will get better in time. Any help/infomation/comforting words would be very much appreciated. The whole family loves the puppy very much, but I have had moments since we have had him whether we have done the right thing.
Hi Karen, It’s quite a common problem for pups to get distressed at being left and it sounds like it’s very stressful for you. Your nighttime plan sounds great so at least you’re all getting to sleep! I’m no expert but from many posts I’ve read from owners with a similar problem, the advice is to build up gradually to leaving your pup. So you start by leaving the room for, say, 30 seconds, maybe even less, and return so the pup knows you’ll come back. You gradually increase the time you leave the room only if the pup is showing no distress at being left. If you have no choice but to leave your pup it’s a good idea if you can ask friends, family or neighbours to sit with him while you’re out, or pay a dog sitter to sit with him? I was lucky with my pup (she’s now two) as she was happy to be left for short periods of time, although I pay for a dog walker at least three times a week so that she’s not left for too long. I hope you can find a resolution and hopefully others will come along who’ve had experience of the same issue. Good luck.
Hi Karen I had similar feelings when we got our pup. It was very stressful as she did not like being left alone either (I don't think any young pups do but some are more vocal) She will be 14 weeks soon, and is doing so much better. I just wanted to let you know that it has got better and feels so much more manageable now, in the few weeks since then. Lisa
