Opening Doors!! Time by themselves

[maverickpup]

Maverick has started opening the kitchen sliding door when he wants to get out.. which I think is a classic seeing as he's only 8 weeks old!! hee hee I just wanted to know what is an acceptable time to leave Maverick on his own. He has everything in the kitchen / family room area.. newspaper to pee and poop, food/water, toys, bed, blankets etc.. I have been at home with him more or less 24/7 since we got him nearly 2 weeks ago.. but I will need to start going out to do things and not taking him with me.. he crys alot when I'm not in site.. so I just wondered if anyone had any advice etc?? thanks I really appreciate it

 

[FRMAZTNT]

Maverick

I have a 5 month old girl, Ruby, who is just a doll but no way would I ever consider leaving her home alone without being in her den, (crate). We don't like using the crate word. Where does Maverick Sleep? The den has been a savior for both us and the dog. And naturally whenever we are home we make sure she does not spend anytime there. Good luck with Maverick

 

[maverickpup]

Thanks.. but Maverick has a section of the kitchen / family room sealed off for him.. he has a bed, food, water toys etc.. but he still crys and crys sometimes when we are out.. I have recorded him!! Doesn't your little one cry and cry when she is in the crate?? There isn't really anything we can do about the crying is there?? Will he get better as he gets older??

 

[mancin]

I have been at home with him more or less 24/7 since we got him nearly 2 weeks ago..

This is actually your problem. It's really hard when you get a new puppy because you want to spend every second with them. But then they learn that you are ALWAYS around and it freaks them out when suddenly you are gone.
That doesn't mean you have to ignore him while you are home, but leave the room for a few minutes and then come back. Gradually increase the time you are away. Sooner or later he will learn that when you go away, you always come back.
It's important not to make a fuss when you leave him/come back. When I leave my boys I don't even make eye contact with them. From a person's perspective, you may think "Well wow that is mean to ignore the puppy" but in reality it makes you leaving/coming easier on them. If you are like "Bye puppy!! I'll be back soon!" they get all riled up and then suddenly you are gone. Also, not making a fuss enforces that YOU are the boss and that you have the right to come and go as you please.
The crying will get better. Don't take him out of his area when he is crying, or else that will make the behavior worse (he will learn every time he cries you will come to him, so why would he stop? )
We crate our boys and it took Tyson about a month before he was comfortable in his crate.