[JasonLee]

Hi everyone I’m new to the forum. Me and my partner got our first beautiful cockapoo puppy called Bruce about 5 days ago. He’s absolutely amazing, taking himself to the toilet already and not one accident so far. The only issue we are having at the minute is that he barks and cries when I leave him. I can’t even go to the toilet or even just to get something from the front room without him crying and barking.
Is this something that is normal and will stop as he gets used to his new home or should it be something we need to spend time addressing while he is a puppy. He’s almost 11 weeks old so maybe I’m asking to much to soon but thought it was best to ask people with more experience.

 

[2ndhandgal]

Totally normal - he has never been alone and needs to learn its OK to be on your own. The very best way to do this is to give him the company he needs and not to leave him until he has the confidence to cope with it. Let him sleep in your room (or you sleep down with him) and as he settles more get him used to you moving around and him not having to follow you all of the time. First leaving should ideally be seconds so there is nothing to be scared about and he gets used to it being part of his routine.

 

[JasonLee]

Thank you for the advice, my worry is he has to be alone when I got to work, I work very close to home (like 30 second walk) so I come home on every break and he’s never left more than 2 hours a time. This is also only 2 or 3 days a week as my partner is in the other days.

 

[2ndhandgal]

In all honesty that is not ideal for a baby - he may adjust and get used to it but would be much better if someone could be with him during those times so he can gradually get used to being left.

 

[JasonLee]

He’s been with someone for 6 out of the 7 days we have had him. Having to go to work is not something I can avoid and I’m going home on every break for the maximum time I can. Hopefully by the time we are back at work he has settled in a bit. Do people usually take a month off work when they first get a puppy? I probably should have took 2 off but thought he would be ok a couple days a week. Anyway thank you for the advice. I’m hoping he settles in so will let you know how it goes.