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Building Confidence Alone – preventing separation anxiety
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
Starting to build alone time for your young puppy is important to help then adjust to being alone for longer periods. Start small with mini absences and build it up form there. Puppy pens and gates are amazing tools for safety, management, and a happy household. This guide shows you how to teach your puppy to love their own space, helping them learn to relax and be comfortable alone.
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Keeping your puppy safe at home.
- Preventing chewing and destructive behaviours.
- Building confidence for future alone time.
What you'll need
- A crate or puppy pen
- A tasty filled Kong or safe chew
- Your puppy’s regular meals
- My crate training worksheet
Step-by-step
- Make the crate and pen area a happy place: Feed most of your puppy’s meals inside their crate or pen to build a positive association. See the step by step guide for crate training.
- Use it for management: When you can’t actively supervise your puppy, pop them in their pen or crate. This keeps them safe from the world, and the world (and your furniture!) safe from them.
- Practice mini absences: While your puppy is enjoying a tasty Kong in their crate, practice leaving the room for short periods. Start with just a few seconds and gradually build up the time.
- Prepare for longer absences: Before leaving for longer, follow the “Exercise, Concentration, Calm” routine. This means a bit of physical exercise, a few minutes of calm training games, and a final toilet trip before settling them in their crate.
Top tips for success
- If you need to use the crate interrupt puppy biting; try scattering a few bits of kibble on the blankets to give them something to focus on and help them calm down.
- Tying a filled Kong to the inside of the crate encourages them to stay in and enjoy it.
- Download my free worksheet for a step-by-step confidence-building plan.
- Never leave your dog alone for more that 5 or 6 hours, arrange for someone to take your dog out for a walk if you are out all day.
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
Is crate time causing you stress?
Every puppy is different, and some need a little extra help learning to be comfortable alone. If you're struggling with crying or anxiety, a Puppy Head Start session can provide a personalised plan for success.
