leaving my puppy alone

Question
QUESTION: hello.i have got a 13 week beagle.the problem i have got is that he hates being alone,if i go upstairs he is crying at the bottom or trying to get upstairs to me.i don't have to leave him on his own to much because i work from home but when i do take the children to school i leave him in the kitchen in his basket with his favorite teddy and toys,but i have been told by my neighbours that they can hear him barking and crying,i have been told by a friend to leave him in the kitchen for 10 mins at a time while i am home and if he is still barking i shouldn't make a fuss when i do let him out,could you please tell me what is the best thing to do please?

ANSWER: Hi  

Your friend has the right idea but its too much too soon.  Start with him behind a stair gate so he can see you but can't have contact with you, for just about 30 seconds.  Gradually build up the time and then begin actually shutting the door as he gets more used to it.

Keep it all low key - you don't need to totally ignore him but be very quiet and calm and don't make a fuss of him.

It is best to work on it now as he is still young.  Could you take him with you everywhere while you are training him to cope with being alone? That would help

Regards,

Lucy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you so much for your reply,harvey hasnt had his 2nd lot of  vacinations till tuesday so cant walk him with us yet but i have carried him a few times but is quite heavy to carry,but as soon as he is able to walk with us i will bring him every morning.i will leave hime each day for small amounts of time to get him used to it.do most puppies gradualy get used to be left alone?

Answer
Hi

yes they do get used to it.  Beagles (in my experience) seem to struggle with it a bit more than other breeds but teaching it sensibly at a young age is fairly easy.  You want to make it all very easy and non stressful. Some vets are happy for dogs to be walked after their 1st vaccination as socialsation is so important and some areas are very low-risk in terms of infectious diseases - speak to your vet.

Good luck

Lucy