Between dog proofing and potty training, the first few days and weeks after your getting your puppy from our New Jersey puppy store are going to be a busy time.

But in the midst of all this chaos, you’ll want to carve out some time to teach your new puppy how to be comfortable on their own.

We recognize that at this point, you want to spend as much time as possible with your tiny new friend, but that’s not helping them in the long run. You’ll have to go out without them sooner or later, and time alone can be stressful for these naturally sociable creatures.

However, as with any type of training, you can make sure your dog feels comfortable on its own with the right amount of time and effort. Here’s how the American Kennel Club recommends getting your puppy used to spending time alone.

Safe confinement

There’s a decent chance your new dog hasn’t spent any time alone, so you can’t expect them to go from spending every moment at your side to sending several hours on their own.

Start off slowly, having the puppy spend time by themselves while you’re still at home, using a safe confinement space such as a crate or exercise pen, or by putting up baby gates to block off a small area. If used right, these spaces will begin to seem like home to your puppy, a place where they can feel relaxed.

How do you help them associate this space with positive feelings? Give them their meals here, spend some time playing in this area and set aside certain toys that they only get once they’re inside their crate or in this space.

Make sure the toy or other activity items you give them are enough to keep them occupied, and safe for small dogs.

Once the puppy is happy to go into this space on their own, you’re ready to take the next step in their training.

Teach them to be alone

Start by putting your puppy in their confinement area with a toy or something else to keep them occupied, then leaving the room quietly, then returning immediately and giving the puppy praise and a treat.

Keep this up, slowly staying away a little longer each time: a minute or so at most at first, building up to longer periods after three to four days. Once you begin to stay away longer, check on the puppy now and then.

If they keep calm, continue rewarding them with calm praise and a treat before leaving. Don’t make too much fuss.

If you notice the puppy crying in their confinement space, it’s either a result of being left alone too long, or you’ve started the training before they’ve begun to associate this space with good feelings. Don’t let them out if they become fussy, as this will teach them that whining gets them what they want. Instead, shorten the length of time they’re spending in the confinement space.

This part of the training is only temporary. Once they’re potty trained and confident spending time alone, you can let them into other parts of the home, one room at a time. Your goal here is to turn your new New Jersey puppy into a relaxed adult dog who can be trusted on their own.

New Jersey Puppy Store

Are you searching for a new puppy in New Jersey? Turn to Silver Nickel Puppies, where you’ll find healthy and pampered pups at our boutique location, given loving care in a safe environment until they’re ready to head home with you. Contact us today to learn more about our available puppy breeds.