Question
So cute
My baby is a cocker spaniel mix,we have no idea with what he is a rescue.We have been training him and he is doing very well.The only problem is that we have never left him at home alone,he either goes with us or one of us stays home.Now,my son is playing basketball and the games start soon.Although we have been allowed to take him to practices we know we wouldn't be allowed to take him to any games.
My question is how will this affect him,once we have to start leaving him home.We have a bedroom filled with his toys and pillows and anything he would need,but I know he will be lonely and possibly afraid.I have to go watch my son play but I don't want to leave Victor(my pup)scarred.How do people do it because we don't have the heart to.He is still a baby,only ten weeks,we got him at 7.
AnswerHe is a cutie, Tyshieka.
The trick to getting him used to time alone is starting with very short periods. It sounds like you're home with him during the day?
Where does he sleep at night? Is he confined at all when you can't watch him?
For instance, I used to have a baby gate up at the kitchen door for times when I was busy or it was nap time. Nothing in there a puppy could "get into" :) and if an accident happened it was no big deal.
That might be a good way to start. You might be surprised and he may not mind at all. What you do is put the gate up while you're in the kitchen...then go in and out and see what Victor does.
If he seems a bit anxious - do NOT comfort him but be very matter of fact. If you soothe & fuss the message Victor gets is that there IS something to be anxious about. So for 5 minutes you just go in the kitchen - ignore Victor - go out - come back.
Try that and let me know what happens. This little experiment will tell us if you do have a problem.
And re toys - nothing ever small enough they could swallow and no toys with "squeakers" or bells inside. Puppies can chew through and swallow these things. A baby sized Kong with some peanut butter inside will keep him safely happy for quite some time. And that'd be a good thing to give him when you confine him. No rawhides or greenies.
Hopefully you're feeding him a really good premium food because he's going to have a massive growth period in the next 6 months. And at this age they need at least 4 mealtimes a day.
Delores
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