Do you have a puppy that constantly follows you around the home? Does it get anxious every time you leave your home? Puppies are dependent beings, and when it comes to puppy independence, it is something that takes time. So, before you bring a puppy home, you must understand that it will require attention initially.
Individuals that work full-time may need to take some time off after bringing a puppy home. A puppy, like a baby, will not be independent at first. You must work on developing puppy independence and that requires training the puppy to be alone. We recommend you take around two weeks off if you can. During that period, here are some things you can do to promote puppy independence.
Step 1: Create a space for your puppy in your home for alone time
Like humans, puppies need a space to call their own. Somewhere they can go, relax, and do as they please. You should allocate such a space within your home for your pup. You don’t necessarily need to allocate a whole room, it can be a cordoned-off corner within a room.
The space will also ensure that the puppy is not following you around all day long. The time a puppy spends in its space will generally be on its own, building your pup’s independence. But it will take some time for the pup to understand that the space is his or hers. It will also require you to make an effort and take it to the area until it develops an understanding that the space is his or her’s.
Step 2: Spend time away from the puppy but in intervals
A new pup will likely always want to be around you. It needs love and attention. Most new dog owners provide their pup with all the attention it wants, which makes it difficult for the puppy to become independent.
You need to find the right mix of attention and independence. When you spend some time with the pup, spend an equal time away from it. This may seem hard, and it will be at first because the pup will likely not want to leave your side. But, within a few days, it will get easier as the puppy starts to develop its independence.
For those that have trouble leaving their puppy alone during the day, crate training at night is another option. This means you have the dog sleep in a crate at night on its own. Don’t think of this as imprisoning your dog, think of this as creating a boundary so it understands that it can be okay on its own. Just make sure you buy a crate that is big and comfortable enough for your pup.
Step 3: Buy toys to keep it entertained during alone time
A puppy will have no problem being on its own if you have the right toys to keep it entertained. Toys will keep it busy and there will be no need for them to follow you around for entertainment. Something as simple as a durable chew toy or a ball works. You also have the option of getting an interactive toy or something that moves. The puppy will chase the toy around the house while having a lot of fun.
With time the puppy will automatically play with the toy during alone time. So, you may go out and do as you please without worrying about the pup being anxious and waiting for you to come home.
Enjoy Your Puppy Independence
There is no one sure way toward puppy independence. However, the three steps mentioned above are tried and tested. Many puppies have become more independent when their owners adopted these methods.
The road to puppy independence is not the same for every dog. Some tend to be more stubborn and dependent than others. But as an owner, you need to give it time and stick to the routine. With time your puppy will learn to be independent.
