Train a Puppy to Stay Home Alone
When a puppy develops separation anxiety, it can cause a lot of stress for the animal, the owner and others as well. The puppy will be unhappy and may destroy the owner's property while she is gone. The puppy may also bark and whine incessantly, driving the neighbors crazy. Fortunately, if you train a puppy correctly from the start, he can learn to stay home alone without distress.
Instructions
1. Teach your puppy independence right from the start. While you want to bond with your puppy and teach her to be friendly and enjoy human companionship, you also need to encourage independence. Don't give your puppy attention every time she demands some. Make sure she gets enough interaction--but only on your terms.
2. Crate train your puppy. This consists of teaching him to stay in a crate (usually a cage or dog carrier) while you are gone. According to the American Dog Trainers Network, crates are an excellent way to reduce separation anxiety. The puppy should view the crate as a safe, secure area, not a punishment or something negative. Leave the crate out and open even when you are home, and leave a blanket or bed and toys inside. Many puppies will learn to go into the crate on their own to rest because it becomes their "safe zone."
3. Don't make a big deal out of leaving. If you say an elaborate good-bye to your puppy that included lots of hugging and attention, then suddenly leave her alone, the contrast may make the animal feel even more lonely. Treat leaving as a routine matter, just like feeding, walks, bedtime or any other aspect of your puppy's life.
4. Vary the amount of time you stay out. This is especially important when you are initially training the puppy. Set up times when you crate the puppy and leave, only to return in 10 or 15 minutes. Mix these into your routine so the puppy doesn't automatically think that when you crate her, it's going to be for a long period of time.
5. Give the puppy options to hold his attention while you are gone. Leave safe toys and items to chew in the crate. Puppies are intelligent animals, and they will quickly get bored when locked up with nothing to do. Leave the television or radio on if your puppy seems to take comfort in hearing voices.
6. When you return, don't automatically shower the puppy with attention. Take her out to go to the bathroom if necessary, but don't turn your arrival into a big deal. Otherwise, the puppy will learn to look forward to it, and you'll be reinforcing impatience for your return.
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