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Originally Posted by LifewithCoco  Ok great advice ill definitely being this. So bottom line, don't fall for the nervous shaking, crying and yelping, right? Am I just a parent with separation anxiety? Please tell me it's ok to leave her to go to work and that although she will cry...she will be fine! I need some reassurance! |
I wouldn't say "don't fall for the nervous shaking, crying and yelping" but I would try to alleviate the anxiety and help the pup feel comfortable in my home. It's quite a change when a puppy, dog, or other animal changes environments, and they need time, love, and help to adjust. If that adjustment takes a second companion/playmate or calming sounds, or clothing with your scent...whatever...but it is a responsible owner that does his/her best to make the pup welcome and relaxed. If you are concerned with what she does when you are out of the house completely, maybe you want to record her at least for a little while during that time. Some dogs with separation anxiety will de-stuff your couch, eat a wall and lots of other stuff when they get older...and, yes, both happened to us with DH's dog...
...so I'd want to help the pup be comfortable first. Then, you won't need to hit your own ignore button.
I do agree with a quiet, calm, firm exit ("not this time") and enter with a simple "hello" or nothing, let them follow me until I've put everything down AND THEN we go wild with kissies and petties and lovies! I also tell them about how long I'll be gone ("1 second" or "2 minutes" or "right back" or "little while") although their clocks tick at a different rate than mine and their counters always run out long before I get back, requiring them to come and look for my whereabouts...laundry room, kitchen, etc. While I work, they seem to prefer to sleep on my jammies...or pillow...on my side of the bed.