Expert: Delores Beck - 2/9/2009

Question
Hi Delores

We have an adorable 11 weeks old Cocker Spaniel pup. We want to train him so that he can stay alone for an hour or two. Please advise when can we start leaving him by himself  - We have never left him alone by himself. Is he too young to left home alone?

Thanks!!

Answer
No, he's not too young to be left home alone for short periods.
BUT..he has to be confined to a safe place.  Puppies will eat or chew almost anything (like an electrical cord).

I'd like to know where he's sleeping now.  If he's used to being put into his own bed/crate/space then that's a good start.

At this age they sleep a lot - it alternates between bursts of energy and naps so take advantage of that.  With a puppy, routine is your friend and since he needs to be fed about 5x a day right now you have feeding - taken outside for potty training - brought in - playtime for 1/2 hour or so and then when he starts to wind down, put him in "his space" for his nap.

Housebreaking should begin now - but be aware he has no real bladder control yet so it's up to you to take him out every few hours.
When you see the signal he's going to go - give your command and when he does go - a lot of praise and a treat.  It won't take more than a few weeks for him to connect the command- the action - and the reward.

But never leave him without supervision.  When you're busy or out, the safest place for him is in his crate.

If you decide to confine him to the kitchen/laundry room/etc and want to use a baby gate, make SURE the gate has openings way, way smaller than his head so he can't get caught in it.  

Any other questions, do please write.
Delores