JavaDog

Sorry for any confusion in my writing. He rarely notices we leave since I give him his Kong. However, when I check in on him (house cam) he is barking...A LOT. Today, he seemed to have more breaks in between the barking fits. Thanks for your response. Sometimes just being reminded that you're not the only that is going through this helps.

Hello All, I'm new to the forum with a new pup. I've searched for more on this topic but found only a few items. Maybe I searched incorrectly? Sorry if there is more out there I may have missed. At any rate, I have a 13wk old pup. Have had him 1.5 wks. He's an amazing boy and learns more and more each day. It's been over a decade since I've had a pup and wondering if being left in the crate (while we go out short periods) gets better? I've read many articles, watched many videos regarding training him to like his crate and get used to being alone. He currently cries and barks when we're gone for 30min-1.5 hrs. I work from home and have him take his puppy naps in the crate and also crate him for various lengths of time (10min, 20 min, 10 min, 30 min) while I work in the other room. He does okay then but I do tell him to "settle" when he starts to whine. Obviously I cannot do that when I go out. I feel like there are small successes and he will learn over time that it's okay. He sleeps all night in the crate (in my room) and will go in when I tell him. He is rewarded for it. We don't make a fuss about leaving or coming back and I try to vary our leaving routine to take the anxiety away. Example, opening and closing doors while he's in the crate. Moving my keys around throughout the day, etc. He gets a walk, training and playtime throughout the day and at least an hour before we leave. Of the 7 times he's been left alone, he's not cried once. We have his first training coming up and that first class is owners only, no dogs. 2hrs. So I'm a bit worried he is going to cry/bark the entire time. Any advice and/or reassurance that this gets better and I'm doing this correctly? Thank you in advance.