Training Your Dog to be Alone
Dogs are social creatures that feed on attention. They like to have someone around all the time who can pamper them and play with them. This is why most dogs switch to barking mode when they don’t find anyone around. But since we all have other commitments, be it work or personal, it is hard for us to be with our dogs all the time.

Since dogs are always used to giving someone around, being alone can be quite stressful for them. Often excessive barking, chewing or digging is observed in dogs when they are alone. Thus it is in your best interest to train your dog to be alone while you are away. He may not enjoy his alone time but he will at least learn how to tolerate it.

Before you actually leave your dog at home and move away, it is imperative that you prepare him for the same. Begin with leaving your dog alone in his crate or his playroom even when you are around. Start by leaving him alone for thirty minutes and then gradually increase the duration. Practice this exercise each day.

Initially you could start off with leaving your dog for thirty minutes alone. Continue this for a well. Then you could increase the duration to one to two hours for the second week. Make it three to four hours for the third week and so on. Gradually your dog shall learn to be alone. Not only this, your dog will be accustomed to the fact that you shall come back. For a dog to know this can prevent separation anxiety in him which is very important.

Leaving your dog alone for some is an essential part of training, but there is a word of caution. While you are leaving your dog alone make sure that you leave him in a safe area. You obviously will not want your dog to hurt himself. For this purpose arrange a roomy crate for your dog or if you can afford to arrange a puppy playroom, then nothing like it.

Let your dog eat alone for proper training. Eating alone will make your dog enjoy his food all the more. Whenever you are leaving your little doggie alone, make sure you dish out the perfect meal for him. Also place some chew toys with him, the one that he loves to nibble on. Kongs are a great option. This way your dog will start enjoying his alone time.

Training your dog to be alone is not all that difficult. All you need is a bit of patience and perseverance. Give your dog a little time and he is sure to be good even if you are away.
 
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