4 Tips for Leaving a Puppy Alone at Home for the First Time

4 Tips for Leaving a Puppy Alone at Home for the First Time

Any owner of a new puppy will need to prepare for the adjustment period of having a young dog in their home. One major adjustment is leaving a puppy alone at home for the first time. Puppies can experience separation anxiety and have trouble holding their bladder if their owner is gone for an extended period.

The following tips should help make the transition of leaving your puppy at home easier. For other expert tips on dog ownership, visit our puppy training center in New Jersey.

1. Start Slow

Suddenly leaving a puppy alone will cause them to panic and experience anxiety. Before leaving them alone in the house for the first time, practice giving them space by leaving the room for a few minutes. Gradually increase the separation time so they become familiar with you being gone.

This teaches your puppy to be more independent and comfortable without you around.

2. Give Them Exercise

One of the necessities of proper pet care is giving your dog plenty of exercise. Puppies are full of energy and might show it by tearing through your house if left alone. If you plan on leaving your puppy alone, take them out for a long walk before you go.

Getting sufficient exercise will tire them out so they don’t feel bored or under-stimulated while alone. With any luck, your pooch will nap while you’re gone and have no issues being alone.

3. Provide Treats When Leaving

Leaving a puppy alone at home for the first time can be frightening for your four-legged friend. Give them a treat when leaving to ease their anxiety. This also creates a positive association with you leaving the house and letting them be on their own.

If you provide your pup with a treat each time you leave the house, they’ll learn it’s not a bad thing and shouldn’t face as much anxiety.

4. Prepare for Accidents

House training a puppy will take some time. If you’re still working on training your puppy to use the bathroom outside, leaving them unsupervised could mean you’ll come home to an accident or two. Remember that it’s not your dog’s fault, and prepare ahead of time by placing some puppy pads around the house.

If you plan on being gone for longer than your dog can hold it, try to arrange for a loved one or neighbor to check in on the dog and let them outside to do their business.

Enroll Your Puppy in Professional Training Courses

Contact The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center if you need help adjusting to being a puppy owner. Our qualified trainers can give you tips for leaving a puppy alone at home for the first time, help you teach a puppy to fetch, and much more. We love to see puppies grow into great companions and can provide you with the tools to make them obedient.

Give us a call at (732) 938-5040 or submit our online contact form to learn more about our training programs.