Expert: TLR - 4/12/2007

Question
We have a Bichon puppy that is 9 weeks old.  We have had her for 6 days.  I work from home but I am trying to get her used to being alone in her crate for short periods of time.  However,  when I leave her even for 5-10 minutes she gets very upset.  Today I thought she was sleeping in her crate so I went upstairs to take a shower and get dressed.  When I came back she was so upset and had vomited in the crate.  How can I get her to feel comfortable being alone?

Answer
Hi,
She may be going through separation anxiety because she is in a new setting; she was taken out of an environment she felt was comfortable and put into a new, causing her to think that every time you leave the room, you are leaving her for good. If you bought her and had her shipped to you, this could still be etched in her mind.

Some dogs are naturally dependent dogs and become nervous and insecure. Some don't know how to face the world without your reassurance that everything will be ok.

When you leave her alone, don't make a big deal out of it. What I mean by this is not to say things like "Ok poochie, mommy is leaving for awhile, but we will be back home soon. We're sorry you have to be alone, but we'll only be gone for a little bit."
Doing that revs up your dog's adrenaline and creates anxiety...which she will try to relieve by chewing, digging, barking, or in your case, vomiting.

Shortly before you have to leave, try to tire her out. Get up early and take her for a long walk or let him run around in the yard.
When you leave, even if you're just leaving the room, try to turn on some background or white noises, such as a fan or the TV. When you put her in the crate, give her a Nylabone or Kong toy to chew on and keep her busy.

After she is in her crate, sit quietly in a chair for a couple of minutes and wait for her to quiet down. When you get up, look at her and say "Wait HERE, poochie." Then leave. No long good-byes, petting, or lingering looks. Just leave.

If she cries, do not let her out of her crate until she is quiet. Also, when you let her out, don't make a huge emotional hello. If you do this then every time he is in his crate he waits anxiously and restlessly for that big "hello" and may relieve the tension with chewing or barking.
Simply walk in the door and say "hi, poochie." Ignore her for a full minute. If she barks, give her a stern "no!"
When the minute is up, she should be calm enough to be let out of her crate. Let her outside to relieve herself.

I hope this helps!