Hello All!
Just a couple of days ago, I brought home an 8-week-old mini dachshund from a breeder. Oscar is a sweetheart, very smart, and seems that he will be very easily trained. (He is catching on quickly with his paper-training!).
He loves to be with people ... and whines pitifully when someone even leaves the room. He cannot stand to be alone!!
The problem I have is that, although I will get to spend almost a full week with him full-time (due to spring break), I will have to return to work on Tuesday, and I will need to keep Oscar in our half-bathroom so that he is safe while I am not home. The room he will be staying will have plenty of fresh water, toys, puppy training pads for when he needs to go to the potty, and a nice warm bed. He will be alone for about 6 hours.
Earlier today, we had a 'trial run' in the bathroom (for just 45 minutes) ... and he went BERZERK!! Oscar started out with wimpering .. then whining ... then what could only be described as 'screaming!'. He sounded as if he were being tortured. (Let me tell you, listening to that poor puppy cry WAS torture for me!).
I plan to continue with these 'trial runs' over the next couple of days, gradually increasing the time frame.
It has been a long while since I've cared for a young puppy. I don't remember ever dealing with a puppy who reacted this strongly to being left alone.
Is he too young to be left alone this long??? His vet said it would be okay.. and reassured me that he would probably sleep through during this time alone. He wasn't sleeping today ... :yikes:
Can anyone share a similiar situation .. or give me some advice??
Thanks!
Mom2Oscar
Just a couple of days ago, I brought home an 8-week-old mini dachshund from a breeder. Oscar is a sweetheart, very smart, and seems that he will be very easily trained. (He is catching on quickly with his paper-training!).
He loves to be with people ... and whines pitifully when someone even leaves the room. He cannot stand to be alone!!
The problem I have is that, although I will get to spend almost a full week with him full-time (due to spring break), I will have to return to work on Tuesday, and I will need to keep Oscar in our half-bathroom so that he is safe while I am not home. The room he will be staying will have plenty of fresh water, toys, puppy training pads for when he needs to go to the potty, and a nice warm bed. He will be alone for about 6 hours.
Earlier today, we had a 'trial run' in the bathroom (for just 45 minutes) ... and he went BERZERK!! Oscar started out with wimpering .. then whining ... then what could only be described as 'screaming!'. He sounded as if he were being tortured. (Let me tell you, listening to that poor puppy cry WAS torture for me!).
I plan to continue with these 'trial runs' over the next couple of days, gradually increasing the time frame.
It has been a long while since I've cared for a young puppy. I don't remember ever dealing with a puppy who reacted this strongly to being left alone.
Is he too young to be left alone this long??? His vet said it would be okay.. and reassured me that he would probably sleep through during this time alone. He wasn't sleeping today ... :yikes:
Can anyone share a similiar situation .. or give me some advice??
Thanks!
Mom2Oscar