[Bec_EmmiesMum]

Hi All ?? I have a 15 week old Cavalier King Charles that we have had for 4 weeks. She has settled in incredibly well and responding to training beyond our expectations. My only concern (that is most likely due to ignorance as we are first time dog owners), is how attached and clingy my Emmie is. She follows me around the house and if I put her in her pen (large area that includes her food and water station and sleeping crate) whilst I’m cleaning or having a shower she cries, barks and generally howls the house down. I’m not sure how to balance not leaving a puppy unsupervised vs creating a dog that has separation anxiety and being overly clingy!! I’d really appreciate some suggestions of what to start implementing! TIA Bec

 

[scary]

Hi, I have the same issue with my 11 week old cockapoo, all the attention is flattering but ...! I put her in her puppy pen (like yours, big enough for crate/water/puppy pad) when i go for a shower and she howls for a few minutes then goes to sleep. Have bought some "enrichment toys" (search Amazon, there's loads!) which keep her distracted while i make my exit. Like babies, I think it's all about routine and once they know puppy pen time is fun they should get used to it ?

 

[Bec_EmmiesMum]

Yeah we’ve bought her “all” the toys ? but she still hates not having me in her sight. I can put her in the pen and she’s fine if she can see me but as soon as I leave the room it’s disaster in her mind. I’ve tried walking out and back in again rewarding with treats so she can see I’ll come back but unless I’m back within a minute she cracks it. I guess we’ll just keep trying and hope she comes around!

 

[Knute]

The dog has bonded to you. This is a trait of the Cavaliers.
You need to begin teaching separation. First, place her in the pen, go away for 5 minutes and keep talking to her, soon she will settle. Then you can separate for 5 minutes and no make a sound. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Gradually increase the separation time.

Remember, the dog is young. So training needs to be in frequent short sessions.

Many videos and books are available for a more complete guide to training.

 

[stephaniechrin]

Hi, I just wanted to say that I am struggling with the SAME exact issue except I own a Siberian Husky puppy. Today, we tried calming treats and giving him a stuffed KONG toy...he was quiet and calm, until 15 minutes later when he finished the KONG and began to howl and cry...like I'm talking the kind of cries that sound like he's dying! It is so stressful...I am going to follow your thread here and wait for more advice because I need it too!!