New Puppy

[jenni0082]

We just brought home our new german shepherd puppy this past weekend and she is 9 weeks old today. she's already on her way to being house broken, walks on a leash and sleeps peacefully through the night (many thanks to our breeder who started hving the puppies sleep in their own crates weeks before we got her). The only problem we are having is that when we are in the house and try and put her away in the kitchen while we eat, shower, clean, etc...she freaks out. I know some seperation anxiety is normal for new pups...but how can we make her feel more comfortable while we aren't right next to her? She waits about 15 seconds then starts wailing and lasts anywhere from 10-30 minutes before she gives up and lays down. We never get her out or speak to her while she's in this panic mode, we always wait til she calms down...which isn't always quickly. We give her plenty of toys while she is alone and usually feed her in the kitchen after we eat...but she wants nothing to do with any of it! we know we need to break this early.....HELP!

[Karen]

Just stay consistent with what you are doing. Ignore the whining and noises, so you don't inadvertently reward the behavior. It will take a little time, but she'll get used to it.

[bckrazy]

It's normal... Really! It's super-duper annoying, but it's normal. The key is to nevereverever reinforce her whining with ANY sort of attention, even eye contact. And make her crate the happiest place you possibly can. Give her a really yummy chewy in her crate (bully sticks are good), a buster cube full of kibbles/cookies, and/or a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter, wet kibble, or whatever she really likes. Try to keep her distracted, and allow her to calm herself.

[RipplingWaves55]

Karen, you are right.

Ignore her behavior, and soon she will think 'oh, they are not paying attention to me'. She might continue this for a while, but she'll think - dogs are smart, just as smart as humans I do believe.

She's just a little puppy and craves attention. Keep her in a somewhat large crate with food and all her belongings. If this does not happen again while you are not spotted - like she in the middle of the living room, you behind in the kitchen.

Go over to her, stroke her under her snout and praise her for not whining. If she does continue, just, like I said, ignore her.

Hope she gets over it! Good luck with the new puppy cute addition to your family! We demand PICTURES! =p