I just adopted a 10-week-old Labrador mix last week, and every time I step out of the room he starts whining, scratching at the door, and pacing. I’ve tried leaving some toys and turning on soft music, but it only helps a bit. Has anyone gone through this and found tricks to help a pup feel more secure when alone?
I went through the same thing with my golden retriever puppy a few months ago. What really helped was starting very small—just leaving the room for 30 seconds, then gradually increasing to a few minutes. Each time I came back, I kept greetings calm so he didn’t associate me returning with a big fuss.
I also gave him a special chew toy stuffed with peanut butter and hid it right before I left. That distraction made a huge difference. Playing soft classical music in the background and using a comfy crate with a worn t-shirt of mine inside provided extra comfort. Over time he learned that being alone wasn’t scary. Hang in there—consistency is key!